Sports stakeholders, politicians, community and religious leaders were all present at the unveiling of the 2nd edition of the Orekoya Alliance football tournament organized by Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Somolu Constituency I, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya to harness football talents in the locality
The week-long sporting event which was held at the Bariga local council Hall paraded sports clubs from each ward of the Somolu/Bariga Federal constituency with an exciting atmosphere that left coaches and players throwing banters at one another for supremacy when the game started in earnest.
According to Hon. Orekoya, the Organizer of the tournament and who said the essence of the tournament is not only to discover football talents but also to expose them to numerous opportunities out there stating that such initiative will go a long way in stamping out social vices with bountiful socio-economic gain and foster unity among the people in the society.
He continued, “Sports has the power to bring people of diverse backgrounds, religions, and cultures together especially the youth because in sports, we don’t always remember whether we are Muslims, Christians, or Idol worshippers but all we remember is that we are one and sports is what has been bidding us together as one and that’s what we want to encourage”.
“The tremendous potential of sports to achieve educational and social-economic development among the youths cannot be overemphasized hence, the reason I decided to invest in sports and I’m determined to use sports (Football) extensively as tools for capacity development and vibrant energetic purpose”.
“Two years ago, when I had this dream, and I had to put a lot of money to expose the talents, I never knew I was going to be made the Chairman of Youths, Sports and Social Development in Lagos State but I thank God today that the dream I had then is coming to reality because I see this as a better opportunity to better the lot of the youth in the state and put the talented youths on the world map”.
The Lagos lawmaker, however, warned the players to be wary of unscrupulous football agents who are out to shortchange unsuspecting players but rather advise the players to seek advice where and where necessary to avoid falling into the pitfall of a lifetime.
In the same vein, the former Nigeria International, Mr. Tajudeen Disu emphasized the need to be disciplined in and out pitch either to the coach or teammate noting that undisciplined players will end up becoming nothing in life as no one will reckon with him or her.
“In life, whatever you do, discipline yourself and respect others. If you are disciplined, and remain focused on and off the pitch, you’ll get to where you want to be. When we were growing up, we had a couple of players who were far better than us but because of lack of discipline, they fell by the wayside. Here we are today because we were disciplined, we got scholarships to go abroad to study and today the rest is history. You never know where the football will take you, so be disciplined in whatever you do”. He stated.
Present at the unveiling ceremony are the Chairman of Bariga LCDA; Hon. Alabi Kolade David ably represented by Hon. Bukonla Adedeji (a.K.a Iyaniwura), Lagos State House of Assembly representing Somolu Constituency II; Hon. Samuel Olufemi Apata, the former Vice-Chairman of Somolu local government and currently Commissioner 4, Lagos State Local Government Commission; Hon. Bowale Sosimi, the Chairman of Somolu APC Apex leaders; Apostle Peter Oyewusi, Hon. Ademola Olisa Adefalujo, Alhaji F.O Bakare, the Director-Generel of Lagos State Sports Commission; Hon. Toyin Gafar (Bolowotan), former Ex-International and former Chairman of Surulere local government; Hon. Tajudeen Ajide.
Others include the Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Surulere Constituency I; Hon. Desmond Elliot represented by Mrs. Bunmi Sanni, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Sports Trust Fund; Mr. Olamiposi Agunbiade, former Executive Secretary of Kosofe local government; Hon. Gbemisola Ketiku, the SSA to Governor Sanwo-Olu of Grassroots Sports, Mr. Dare Orimoloye, former Nigeria International, Mr. Tajudeen Disu, Mr. Gabriel Omotosho