Ex-Oyo Commissioner, Afonja splashes cash on ‘Unity Cup’ finalists, reiterates commitment to promoting love, unity in Ogbomoso
The four finalists in the just concluded ‘Afonja Unity Cup 2024’ have been rewarded with cash and other essential materials following their outstanding performances on Saturday.
The competition, which was organized by the former Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Rapheal Abdul-rahman Afonja (PARA), began last month with a kick-off at the popular Soun Stadium to unite people together in love and harmony.
Ogbomoso North, the winner of the tournament got a sum of 200,000 while runners up Ogooluwa got 150k after a 0-3 defeat to Ogbomoso North.
Similarly, Orire placed third with a cash reward of 100k while Surulere got 50k for clinching fourth position.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition, the organizer of the competition, Professor Afonja said the competition was to promote love, peace and unity within Ogbomoso zone, particularly in light of the hardship that the people of the country are currently facing.
He said the goal of the competition was to give young people a reason to celebrate, feel hopeful, and feel good about themselves.
Stressing that the competition would avail the youths opportunity to flourish and showcase their talent for scouting, he added that the competition will also open doors for government and our community.
Afonja, who disclosed that the competition will hold annually, further said he’s planning to bring about skill training for the youths to get them prepared for any available job opportunities.
When asked why he opted for inter local government football competition, the former Commissioner noted that it was a clear message that all local governments in Ogbomoso zone are one.
According to him, we are together in Ogbomoso land. We fight together, win together, and it’s a way forward to say that Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere, Oriire and Ogooluwa are one big family.
Afonja, however, expressed his deep excitement to be part of the final competition, saying, “it’s a grass-root things and we must try to encourage more people to organize such a kind competition to promote love, peace and unity in Ogbomoso land.”
Also speaking, the Ogbomoso North Local Government Chairman, Hon. George Ogunlade, who commended Professor Afonja for sponsoring the competition, equally congratulated the him on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for renovating Soun stadium into a standard taste, just as he also encouraged youth in the local government to constantly be present in the stadium to support players.
The chairman however urged local players to keep striving hard to become a star footballer such as Messi, Ronaldo among others, positing that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
“As the Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, we are very committed to promoting sporting activities. It’s already in our agenda. And we will continue encouraging and supporting our youths with whatever needed to excel in life”, he said.
Former Super Eagles player Mutiu Adepoju, who was also in attendance, praised Professor Afonja for setting up the competition and motivating the players, adding that it will provide a platform for FA members like him to find players who the state needs.
“It’s a great thing that I have to commend Professor Afonja for sponsoring this competition. This is a zonal thing in which all the players are being encouraged. The FA is here. So, we will be able to see and detect any players.”
