In the spirit of promoting sportsmanship amongst youths, the lawmaker representing Somolu constituency one in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Abiodun Orekoya, has presented a cheque of N1 milloon and other consolation prizes to the Bariga Ward E team after defeating their contender from Somolu Ward H a 1-0 to emerge.
The presentation was made during the Season 4th edition finale of the Orekoya Alliance Tournament (OAT) a football competition for youths under 17 in Somolu and Bariga.
Speaking on the significance of the football tournament, Orekoya explained that youth engagement initiatives like OAT provide opportunities for talent exhibition and development, foster unity, and create space for exploration.
He highlighted the tournament’s success in scouting and supporting gifted players, noting that a participant from a previous edition now plays for Nigeria’s Junior National Team.
According to him, We are building their tomorrow. He urged youths to stay focused, avoid drugs, embrace fair play, and support one another.
The event also featured remarks from Lagos State officials, including the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogulende, who commended the initiative for using sports as a unifying language to engage youths constructively and keep them off the streets.
Mr. Ogunlende, however, urged Badagry youths to make use of football private sports facilities for their development as the government can not do it alone, assuring that soon a befitting mini stadium will be built by the state government.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Osinyemi Oluwaseun emphasized the role of sports in providing alternatives to crime and creating professional pathways in football.
The Bariga Ward H team, coached by Mudashiru Adewale, secured a hard-fought victory to reach the final.
The match’s standout performer, Olaitan Ridwan, who scored the decisive goal and was named Man of the Match, credited the team’s daily training and dedication for their success, pledging that they would “come back stronger.”
The tournament underscored a collaborative commitment to youth development, combining community-driven sportsmanship with governmental support to nurture talent, promote positive values, and build a brighter future for young Lagosians.
