Local Government Council Chairmen in Kwara state have been charged to support the development of youth and sports in their domains, to complement the efforts of the state government in the sector.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji gave the charge while unveiling the winners trophy for the maiden Sar’dauna of Ilorin football tournament among the 16 Local Government Areas in the state, at the Conference Room of KFA on Friday January 10, 2025.
While thanking the Consultants, Ultimate Sports Consult Limited for the initiative, Mallam Magaji commended all the LG Chairmen and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs for making it happen.
He assured them of support, and also pledged to introduce a multi-sports event in honour of the Governor to further develop sports at the grassroots, and to promotes friendship and togetherness.
The Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Bata appreciated the organiser, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Owolabi Wopa Agbaji for honouring the Governor with the competition, even as he assured that all the Local Councils will participate fully.
The Balogun Alanamu, Dr. Abubakar Uthman Jos, who represented the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari said that the competition will make the youths meaningfully busy.
The Executive Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Sports Consult Limited, Alhaji Wopa, who is organising the competition in conjunction with the State Sports Commission and Kwara State Football Association expressed delight that the project is accepted by all.
“I am happy about this development. I want to thank the Governor, the Executive Chairman of Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji and the Chairmen of all the LGs, for their support towards organising a befitting competition in honour of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He appealed to the Chairmen to mobilise their Football Councils and Sports Officers in preparing teams that will participate in the competition.
While responding on behalf of Chairmen of Kwara South, the Chairman of Isin Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Jolayemi Benjamen Lanre, who described sports as another aspect that unites people, commended the organiser of the competition.
“All the 16 Local Government Areas will support the competition in appreciation of the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and for giving us the opportunity to serve our people. We pledge our support to the competition.
Hon. Abubakar Danladi, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of the Chairmen from the North equally commended the organisers.
“We are sports loving people, and will sustain the support for sports, especially as the competition is named after our Governor. Sports unites all. We will do our best.
For Kwara Central, the Chairman of Ilorin West, Hon Shehu Andulrahman Ladan appreciated the initiative, adding that “the Governor deserved more than what is being done with the competition. We will support fully, to promote our boss.
The competition will run from January 27th to February 5th, 2025. The first match of the competition will be between Irepodun and Ilorin East. Apart from trophies and medals, teams will battle for the N1m prize money at stake, as well as individual awards.
Among those present at the ocassion are the SSA to Governor on Party Affairs, Mallam Mshood Alaka, Hameed Adio (Oly), Mallam Tunde Kazeem, Local Government Sports Officers, Chairmen, Local Football Councils, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Nwachigoziri 1, Alhaji Umar Bolaji, who represented the FA Chairman, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa, Retd Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Gesinde Adedeji Amosa Fregene, Chairman, Council Sports Coordinators, Opeyemi Amao.
GROUPINGS
A
A1- Irepodun
A2- Ilorin East
A3 -Barutein
A4 -Asa
B
B1- Ilorin South
B2- Kaiama
B3- Oke-Ero
B4- Ilorin West
C
C1- Oyun
C2- Edu
C3- Ifelodun
C4- Ekiti
D
D1- Patigi
D2- Offa
D3- Isin
D4- Moro
