Inter-agency football tournament set to kick-off in Lagos

In a bid to bring together government officials, civilians, military, and other security agencies in Lagos, a non profit organisation otherwise known as Twenty Bucks Creative, has stressed on the need for unity among all sundry for peaceful co-existence.

Speaking at the launching of a football tournament billed for October 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 11th and October 13th at the Navy Sport Camp Football Field in Apapa, Lagos, Twenty Bucks boss Charbel Olusanya, said the competition is aim bring together government officials, civilians, military, and other security agencies.

The agencies include, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, NPF, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and The National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.

He said, “I am a great football lover. Football is a tool of unity in Nigeria. So, the purpose of this event is to promote unity—not only for the youth, but also for the government and civilians. I chose these institutions because I grew up in the barracks.

“I am not a soldier, but having been raised in the barracks, this is my way of giving back to the children whose parents are keeping the country safe. The purpose of this football tournament is to promote unity, especially between the government, armed forces, and civilians.

“I was born and raised in Lagos. I’m a Lagosian, from Eti-Osa precisely. So, I’m a proud Lagosian and a proud Nigerian. This football competition, involving all the security agencies and relevant institutions, has never been done before in this manner. This is history in the making. I am not stopping here; I’m ready for the task ahead because I believe in not just the young ones in the barracks, but Nigeria at large. I am starting from the barracks because that is my root.”

Continuing he added “the participants will not be those currently in service but the children of the agencies.

He emphasized his organization’s commitment to providing more opportunities for young talents to showcase their skills.

Speaking about the prizes to be won, Olusanya added, “The first prize is 1 million Naira; the second prize is 600,000 Naira; and the third prize is 300,000 Naira.”

To promote gender balance, Olusanya also mentioned that there will be a special attraction for women. “There will be women empowerment activities. During halftime, like in any other football game, we will involve women. The Master of Ceremony will call random women in the audience to come and participate in a competition, such as juggling the ball. Whoever juggles the highest will win various prizes.”