To foster unity and sportsmanship, the Ikeja Local Government, in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Ikeja Local Branch, recently hosted football tournament, Chairman’s Cup aimed at celebrating the second year of Dr. Mojeed Alabi, the Executive Chairman’s second term in office.
The Coordinator of NYCN Ikeja Local Branch, Ambassador Wale Amole expressed the inspiration behind this event, emphasising the Chairman’s dedication to the youth of Ikeja.
Amole stated, “What inspired us to celebrate the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government’s second year in his second term in office was because he is a hardworking man who has done so much for the youths in Ikeja. This is a little payback on our own part to appreciate what he has been doing as a leader of the youths.”
The tournament aimed to showcase local talent and foster a sense of unity among Ikeja’s youth. Amole further explained: “We want to get the best out of the best. A player like Isimeh is from Ikeja Local Government, and we believe we have young chaps who can be like him too in our local government. At the end of this tournament, we believe we are going to get the footballer of the year in Ikeja Local Government.”
Comrade Madu Duru Frank, the Deputy Coordinator of NYCN Ikeja, highlighted the importance of bringing together youths from across the six wards of Ikeja Local Government.
He said: “We are trying to bring all the youths within the community of Ikeja, the whole 6 wards of Ikeja Local Government. Football is all about fun and it’s a place where you’ll see the youth from different climes.”
Frank speculated the possibility of future editions of the Chairman’s Cup, if the event continues to be successful. He emphasised the importance of unity among youths, saying, “It’s a good thing for youths to come together as a family.”
The Chairman’s Cup kicked off with an opening match between Ikeja Central community and Anifowoshe FC and continued with matches among the remaining four wards over the weekend, culminating in the finals on Sunday evening.
Large crowd
The tournament was met with enthusiasm and fervor, drawing a large crowd of spectators and participants alike.
The winners of the Chairman’s Cup, Alausa FC’s representative, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their talent and thanked the sponsors, NYCN Ikeja Local Branch, and Ikeja Local Government.
The event served as a testament to the power of sports in uniting communities and fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among the youth of Ikeja.
In addition to the sporting event, NYCN Ikeja Local Branch has been actively engaged in community initiatives, including Operation Clean Up Lagos, a Campaign against Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Awareness programs.
Their commitment to the betterment of the community reflects their dedication to the youth’s well-being in Ikeja and beyond.
Plans for future campaigns, including a back-to-school initiative and an anti-drug abuse campaign, demonstrate their continued commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the youth in the region.
Lateefah Ibrahim
