The Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule said the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi football competition (Ojelabi Cup) scheduled to begin on Nov.15, will bring out stars and talents among the youth in Badagry Division.
Sule disclosed this during a press briefing organized by the Local Organising Committee of the competition in Lagos.
According to him, I am very sure that at the end of this football tournament, we will come up with new Osimhens, new stars and new talents will not only make themselves or their families proud but the division as well.
“When the chairman came up with the idea of sponsoring football tournament in Badagry Division, I was so happy and promised that I will do anything to support it.
“This is because it is going to benefit our youth which form the largest percentage of our population.
“We are all aware that employment opportunities in government and private companies are no longer enough for our youth.
“But if platforms are provided, it will help a lot of our youth in promoting and engaging them.
“This competition will give our youth opportunities to display their capacity and then get them enough exposure that will lead them to greater heights,” he said.
Sule urged everyone to give the tournament the required support that will make it work in order to promote the youth in Badagry division.
“I want to assure you that the chairman has expressed his dedication to making the competition a successful one.
“We must be ready to ensure peace, promote integrity and fairness throughout the competition,” he said.
Sule appealed to the officials of the competition to promote integrity, fairness and be honest throughout the tournament.
Delivering the message of the APC Chairman in Lagos State, Mrs Bola Akingbehin, his media aide, charged everyone to promote peace, unity and fair play.
“We believe that sport can bring people together, promote healthy competition and drive positive changes in our society.
“As we kick off this competition, may it be a source of joy, excitement and inspiration for all participants and spectators as well.
“I want to thank other sponsors, let us work together to make our local governments, Lagos State and Nigeria great,” she said.
Speaking, Mr Deji Williams, the Chairman, LOC of the competition, said over 74 teams had registered for the competition in Badagry division.
“The competition will be organised accurately to FIFA and the LOC rules which have been given to all teams, while the matches will be handled by the graded referees.
“Once the draws are concluded today, the attention will shift to the first match and opening ceremony on Sat. Nov.15, at Lagos State University of Education, Oto-Ijanikin.
“The competition will be organized in three stages beginning with the preliminaries in each council area which will be decided on knock-out basis.
“However where a match ends in a draw after the 90 minutes regulation time, penalty shootout will be used to decide the winner,” he said.
The sports administrators, fans and supporters graced the event where draws were held for the competition.
The winner of the competition will go home with N1m, second will collect N750,000 while third place will collect N500,000.
A prize of N500,000 was announced for the best behaved team by Commissioner for Tertiary Institution.
