The final match of the football competition sponsored by a member of Oyo State House of Assembly representing Iwajowa State Constituency, Hon. Anthony Oladejo Ogunsola has ended with remarkable success as Arikose FC Ijio humbled Iwere-ile United FC with lone goal.
The match which attracted mammoth spectators across Iwajowa Local Government and beyond took place at ADS Basic School Playing Ground Iwere-ile, where the Lawmaker presented the trophy to the winner.
All efforts were made by Iwere-ile United FC to equalise the lone goal scored by number 11 winger of Arikose FC Ijio, but remained futile before the end of 90 minutes’ official regulated hours.
It would be recalled that the tournament had eight(8) different teams with one hundred and forty four (144) players whose membership cut across football teams in all metropolis making Iwajowa Local Government, and however became the first time that such numbers of players and officials would be given complete Jessy.
In a speech delivered by Hon. Ogunsola, he hinted that the competition was conceived with three primary objectives, which are stated as follows:
” To discover and promote talents; many of our youths possess exceptional skills that can place them on national and global stages. This platform is designed to identify those talents and provide the opportunities they deserve”.
” To foster unity among among our youths – Football, as we all know, is a universal language. It transcends ethnic, religious and political boundaries. We hope that through this competition, our youths will find reasons to bond, collaborate, and build lasting friendships”.
To inspire community spirit and development – Events like this remind us that together, we can achieve great things. A united community is an unstoppable force for progress “.
He however expressed sadness that certain attitude had threatened the very essence of what the competition stood for, as reports of unnecessary disputes and crises during the matches were disappointing.
He stated clearly that, sportsmanship thrives on discipline and respect for one another, reiterating that they should never allow personal grudges or bad attitudes to overshadow the purpose of the initiative.
The Chairman, House Committee on Mineral Development urged players , supporters and community members to embrace peace at all times and however note, as sports unite but not divide.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the organising committee, supporters, all the participants and others whose collective involvment made the possible, hinting that their dedication and hardwork were not gone unnoticed.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment, unity, and development of Iwajowa Local Government as a whole.
The dignitaries at the event were Hon. Anthony Oladejo Ogunsola, Hon Jelili Oyinloye, former Iwajowa LG Chairman, Hon Abiodun Babalola representing Ibadan North East, Hon Lekan Abiola, Akinyele 1 State Constituency, Mr Wasiu Fasola, PDP Local Party Chairman, HRM Oba Rasheed Omobolanle, Gegun of Ayetoro Ile and a host of others.
