The Founder of Kayode Adamolekun Foundation, Engr Kayode Adamolekun has presented cash prize to winner of Anti-drug Abuse Football Competition in Ekiti State.
Adamolekun made the presentation at the Inter- Secondary Schools Football Competition theme:”Playing For A Drug Free Society” held during the weekend at Aisegba Community Grammar School playing field ground,Aisegba-Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Adamolekun, who is a Mining Engineer and Founder of Hardarms Farms, a subsidiary of Hardarms Concepts Nigeria Limited while charging the students said:”We decided to share our message through sports because, we recognize the influence of sports on young minds. We don’t know how valuable our dreams are until we see others who are being helped because we dared to believe it enough. It didn’t look like my life was full of prospects while growing up but I didn’t allow the challenges I face to discourage me. I believe my life is a testament to what a man looks like when he refuses to give up”
He added that: “Today, I am celebrating two things, the power of a fulfilled dream, and the value of a fulfilled life. Kayode Adamolekun Foundation started from a genuine desire to share out of the little that God has given me with others. I am sharing all these to encourage the bright minds listening to me today. If my generation had half of the opportunities that exist today, I am sure we would have gone farther than where we are today, but we made the best use of the resources available to us and we turned out well”.
Speaking on the football competition, he said drug-free society is valuable because it promotes community safety and well-being, noting that drug abuse has negative impact on communities such as crime, violence and social disintegration.
According to him, by promoting a drug-free lifestyle, communities can reduce their risk of experiencing these negative consequences and can focus on building strong, healthy relationships and creating safe, supportive environments for all residents.
He therefore, appealed to volunteers and partners who graced the occasion to support the foundation in order to fulfil it’s vision of impact saying “No amount is too small to donate.Your support will go a long way in ensuring that we connect with the next generation of leaders around us and save them from the influence of substance abuse”.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Adeyemi Adebayo Gregory in his welcome remarks thanked the founder of the organization, Engr. Kayode Adamolekun for his unwavering belief in the future of the youths of this nation saying “His persistence and commitment have paved the way for many unarmed youths and young teenagers to have the opportunity to have a secure future”
According to him “Drug abuse is an issue that knows no boundaries. It affects people from all walks of life,regardless of age, gender, or social status. Its consequences ripple through families, schools, workplaces, and our society as a whole.”
In similar vein, the Ekiti State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Antony Oluwaniyi in his remark lamented that drug abuse had pervaded the society as it kills, stressing “drugs are made available because they is demand for it”.
The NDLEA State Commander said the organization had taken the fight against drug abuse to Schools and trying to stamp it out permanently with the efforts being put into it daily.
Former Nigerian footballer, Mr. Mutiu Adepoju who was a Special Guest admonished the students to do away with drug and rather concentrate on their studies and as well embrace sporting activities, particularly football.
Adepoju also counselled the upcoming footballers to ensure they keep up with their rising talents for them to excell in life.
Our Correspondent reports that eight Secondary Schools participated in the tournament.
In the final, Ojugbaye Comprehensive High School, Imesi-Ekiti defeated Aisegba Community Grammar School, Aisegba-Ekiti 5-3, and got N300, 000.00, while the first runner up smiled home with N200, 000 and the third place, Iluomoba Community Grammar School got N150,000.
Aside this, the Highest Goal Scorer, Olawole Saleem, the Best Goal keeper, Ayantoye Ebenezer, Most Valuable Player, Jose Suleiman were present cheque of N100, 000 each.
Most Passionate Player, Yahaya Toheeb was also presented N50, 000 cheque as a reward for his passion for football.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion include, wife of the Founder of Kayode Adamolekun Foundation, Mrs. Folasade Adamolekun, the Patron of the Foundation Otunba Taiwo Akingbehin, Oba Samuel Adesina, the Owa Oroo of Agbado-Ekiti, Aisegba Chiefs, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) amongst others.
