L-PRES: Gov. Ododo restates commitment to transforming livestock industry in Kogi

 

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming livestock industry to ensure food security and boost the economy of the state.

Ododo gave the assurance during an interactive session with 500 women and youths poultry value chain credit support beneficiaries under the Kogi Livestock Production and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES Kogi L-PRES, a World Bank Project on Tuesday at Government House Lokoja.

The selected beneficiaries were drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.

The governor said the initiative was part the state's 32-Year Development Plan for Crop and Livestock improvement.

According to him, the L-PRES is a giant stride in Nigeria's drive towards food security and economic prosperity.

"It aligns seamlessly with our administration's short, medium and long term plan to make Kogi the epicenter of livestock production in Nigeria.

"We are determined to achieve the Project Development Objectives here in Kogi State," Ododo said.

Ododo congratulated the 500 beneficiaries of the project, stressing that the selection process was rigorous in accordance with the World Bank standards.

He commended the World Bank, and other partners in Nigeria as well as the Kogi L-PRES Project Management Team for their commitment to launch Kogi into the big league of livestock producers.

Ododo added: "A poultry boom in our dear state will mean serving nine other states and the Federal Capital Territory.

"We have the land, favourable climate as well as abundant human and natural resources to drive this project to a desirable success.

"I want to assure the World Bank that we shall continue to inject our projects with great political will and zeal to the benefit of our great people.

"Today, all beneficiaries will get the sum of N100,000 each as logistic support for their various businesses.

"The service providers will be immediately energized to supply all your inputs depending on your selected poultry value chains and capacity building for sustainability.

"As a way for boosting our local economy, we have urged service providers to patronize local vendors of poultry inputs within the state".

He, therefore urged the beneficiaries to make the best of the golden opportunity to transform the livestock industry in Kogi.

Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for his undying commitment to the Nigeria's economic prosperity.

"As a State, we will continue to support his laudable initiatives at making Nigeria great again," Ododo said.

In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Timothy Ojomah; and the State Project Coordinator of L-PRESS, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, commended Ododo for fully supporting the project.

The project coordinator  said the governor was rewriting the narrative of livestock farming in the State, pointing out that the selection process of the beneficiaries was transparent

Bolarin stressed that the vision of the governor and tireless effort as well as the commitment demonstrated for the project.

He said the Empowerment for women and youth in poultry value chain Credit Scheme was in line with the vision of the present administration

Bolarin explained that the beneficiaries comprised three categories such as producers, processors and marketers in the poultry value-chain.

According to him, Broiler producers will get Day Old Chicks (DOCs), feeds, Drugs and Vaccines, while Egg Producers will receive Point of Lay (POL), Feeds and Drugs

He added that Marketers and Processors will get Preservation Equipment such as Deep freezer, Generator set, stabilizer, table size broiler birds and packaging bags.

He pledged the commitment of the L-PRES Project to supporting the beneficiaries towards achieving the dream of enhancing livestock farming in the state.

The project coordinator added that with the scheme, about 500 families have been empowered to make themselves reliant in poultry farming, noting that necessary inputs would be provided for them.

Mr Samuel Mark, a beneficiary, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the governor for the initiative and for supporting the projects to boost livestock productivity in the state.

Mark, who is a person with disability, commended the governor for considering the PWDs to be part of the L-PRESS beneficiaries. 

By Stephen Adeleye

University Don tasks FG on massive investment in Science, Technology to reduce poverty

 

A Virologist, Prof Oyewale Tomori, has urged Federal Government to invest massively in science and technology to solve societal issues, improve the quality of life and reduce poverty in the country.

Tomori made the call while speaking at the 8th Distinguished Public Lecture of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Thursday.

Speaking on the theme, "the Conflicting Confluence of Science and Society", the Don said science solve societal issues improve quality of life, and answers questions that relate to mysteries of the universe.

The erudite professor stressed that investment in science and technology would contribute to knowledge production, driving innovation and help the country to compete in the global economy, and contribute to the functioning of democracies. 

He, therefore urged the federal government to stop paying lip service to the issue of science and technology and deplore sufficient resources to provide appropriate technology that would reduce poverty in the country.

The scholar also urged Nigeria's tertiary institutions to make their various research works into workable documents for government to use as road map to enhance the development of the country.

Tomori said the success of some research works were being hampered by poor mentorship, studies not focused on solving national problems, and insufficient adherence to merit in assessment of research proposals.

He added that poor management and misuse of research funds, apathy and failure to make returns on received grants also affect accessing funds.

Tomori noted that the underdevelopment of Nigeria was partly contributed by its Scientists who failed to proffer durable solutions to end the socio- economic problems confronting the nation.

He expressed sadness that 64 years after political independence, Nigeria was still crawling economically and had to often times go to borrow from western countries inorder to service its yearly budgets.

He said Nigeria remains underdeveloped because it was either the Scientists in the country were yet to find right answers to the national problems or they failed to comvince the policy makers, politicians that the quandruplets of science, research, innovations and development are inseparable.

Tomori, who was the former Vice Chancellor of Redeemers' University, restated that the only way out of underdevelopment was through science and technology.

He stressed that the advanced countries who invested heavily on science reap the gains of developments, prosperity and food sufficiency while countries who refused to invest in science are reaping poverty, squalor and diseases.

"No nation, except Nigeria which has attempted to sidetrack developing science and technology and tailoring it to her needs. 

"Nigeria has taken a shortcut by importing other peoples finished technology, and calling it transfer of technology. 

"Nigeria imports complete knocked down parts of vehicles, and appoints a Nigerian Executive Managing Director to oversee the screwing together of these parts,"'Tomori said.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, said the lecture fundamentally aimed to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and rigorous academic discourse. .

"By inviting eminent scholars and thought leaders to share their insights on pressing issues, we strive to bridge the gap between academia and society. 

"These lectures are not merely academic exercises; they are opportunities for us to engage with new ideas, challenge our thinking, and inspire innovation and progress within our community.

"We believe that we have a vital role to play in addressing societal challenges. These lectures provide an opportunity to engage with pressing issues, sparking conversations that can lead to meaningful change" Akinwumi said.

End

Lanreleke Sports Academy holds inaugural graduation ceremony on Friday

 

It will be glitz and glamour as the Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ileogbo will host its first graduation event to celebrate The Peculiar Class of 2024 on Friday, July 26th at the School Pavilion by 11:30 am.

The co-educational, fully residential and specialist senior secondary school, which was founded in 2021, will be graduating 60 students after spending three years in the school.

Super Eagles legend Mutiu Adepoju (Headmaster), Toyin Ibitoye, ex-Spoke Person for Super Eagles, and Royal Fathers are among the top VIP guests who are billed to attend the event in Ileogbo. 

Proprietor of the School, Engr Olanrewaju Adeleke told the media, "It's an absolute joy for the management of Lanreleke Sports Academy to celebrate its first graduants- The Peculiar Class of 2024.

"The graduating students have been well tutored and trained in the area of sports and academy, as they also wrote their WAEC and NECO exams.

"Since it's a mix of academics and sports, they all engaged in Football, Basketball and Athletics, likewise been exposed locally and internationally.

" It will interest Nigerians, that some of them will be travelling to Europe for trials, local clubs signing, scholarships to America, and Europe, and some will further their education in Nigerian Universities."

LSFA sets certificate benchmark for football coaches, sign pact with NIS

 

The Lagos State Football Association has added to his success stories by ensuring the implementation of the MOU signed with the Nigeria Institute of Sports over the certification of coaches that does not have the prerequisites and necessary qualifications to obtain a licence from the State FA.

Coaches in Lagos State were invited to the Football House at Ogunlana Drive Surulere Lagos to parley over this remarkable feat which is aimed not just to be certified or licensed coaches but to ensure international best practices.

The NIS Representatives led by the Registrar shed more light on the MOU with LSFA and encouraged all the coaches to key into this laudable initiative.

The FA Chairman, Liameed Gafar acknowledged the important roles played by the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State Sports Commission in creating enabling environment for the continuous development of football through the numerous rehabilitation and reconstruction of various Stadia in the State. He also charged the coaches the importance of this partnership with NIS. 

The Lagos State Football Association and NIS has agreed that the sum of 25,000 will be paid by coaches who do not have any certificate from NIS to undergo the training and 5,000 to get the Coaching License. The training will be done in batches and he promised that between now and the next two years, over 2000 coaches would have been trained, certified and licensed to be able to operate in Lagos State.

Additionally, that efforts will be made to collaborate with other Southwest States over the capacity building and having uniform licensing in order to operate in the region.

Darajeph Technologies partners Optima Energy Gold Cup with POTM awards

 

Darajeph Technologies joins the growing list of brands that have signed a partnership deal with the Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament. 

The 12th edition of the nation's pre-season tourney for football clubs in the three-tiers of the league kicks off at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu on Thursday August 15, with the finals scheduled for Saturday August 24, 2024.

Darajeph Technologies specializes in mobile, web application, web design, client-server application, cloud application, system integration, internet of things and database management.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Darajeph Technologies, Oloruntoba Samson Segun expressed his delight at the deal. 

According to Segun, "We understand how passionate Nigerians are about football and we are proud to be partners with the Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament. 

"At this year's edition, we have made provisions for 15 Darajeph Technologies Player Of The Match (POTM) awards for the best talents."

Tournament General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen said: "We are delighted to welcome our new partners, Darajeph Technologies to the Optima Energy Gold Cup family. 

"The Optima Energy Gold Cup is a prestigious annual event attracting thousands of football fans in and outside the shores of Nigeria, where football is loved by all."

Kirfi LG emerges 2024 Bauchi State Sports Festival champions

 

Kirfi Local Government Area emerged winners of the 2nd Bauchi State Sports Festival (2024) on Saturday.

Kirfi LGA won 25 gold, 19 silver and 12 bronze to beat other Local Government Area to the number spot after 10 days of action at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium. 

Al Kaleri LG finished a distant second place with 9 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze, Bauchi placed third with 6 gold, 8 silver and 10 bronze while Bogoro LG with 2 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze finished in fourth position.

In fifth position is Ganjuwa LG with 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze, Zaki LG in sixth position with 2 gold and 2 silver, Shira LG won 2 gold and 6 bronze to place seventh place while Itas-Gadau in eighth place with 1 gold and 2 silver.

In ninth place is Ningi with 1 gold, Dass LG won 1 gold and 1 silver to finish 10th place and Tafawa Balewa won 2 silver and 2 bronze, finishing 11th position.

Giade LG and Toro LG both won 1 silver and 2 bronze to finish 12th position, Damba LG and Misau LG won 1 silver and 1 bronze to place 14th position, Jam’are with 2 bronze finished 16th place while Katagum won 1 bronze to settle for 17th place.

Darazo, Gamawa and Warji won zero medals at the just concluded Bauchi State Sports Festival.

Bauchi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Salisu Gamawa applauded Governor Bala Mohammed for ensuring the State Sports Festival is revived after 41 years.

Gamawa said the ministry will serve as a masterplan to take the State to the next level in sports.

He said, “I want to thank His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed for making the festival possible as well as providing the funds for the successful hosting. 

“I congratulate the winners of the festival for your performances. There is a saying that luck is when preparation meets opportunity meaning you are privileged to represent your Local Government. 

"I want to thank all the 20 Local Government Areas for honouring our invitation. We believe that you have made a huge sacrifice by participating in this festival. Special thanks to Ex Super Eagles player, Patrick Pascal (MON) for ensuring we had an entertaining men's football final at the stadium.

“We have to do it right and make a huge difference in our time, I believe this will be the beginning of greater things in the sporting sector of Bauchi State”.

Joseph Otu: Teenage sensational midfielder joins Spanish side, Malaga

 

Spanish club side, Malaga have completed the signing of talented midfielder Joseph Otu from Mavlon FC of Lagos on a four- year deal, www.totorinews.com reports.

Otu, standing at 6ft.3inches impressed the management and technical crew of Malaga while on trials and the Segunda outfit did not hesitate to hand over the sky blue shirt of the club to the 19years old defensive midfielder.

He had earlier featured for Malaga U19 team in a friendly game against Molde of Norway where he gave a good account himself in the encounter.

He was drafted to the senior team of Malaga, where he also shone brighly in the training sessions in the midst of more established professional players in the team.

The management of Malaga became fully convinced, hence it handed a professional contract to the very energetic and skillful defensive midfielder.

Salim Fargo Lawal reveals inspiring conversation with Maduka Okoye after Udinese, Istra friendly

Nigerian striker, Salim Fago Lawal showed his predatory instinct as he scored for Croatian club, 1961 Istra against Maduka Okoye's Udinese on Wednesday. 

Lawal scored the only goal for Istra in the 4-1 friendly against the Serie A side with Okoye in goal for the Italian club. 

It was pure striker's goal and the build- up from the left side of the attack of NK 1960 Istra showed Lawal running into the box where he connected the low cross with a cool finish in the 39th minute.

Although Lawal and his teammates lost the friendly to Udinese, there was no doubt that the former Mavlon FC of Lagos attacker was a torn in the flesh of Udinese's defenders.

His incredible performance drew encomium and praises from Okoye as revealed by Lawal to Totori News. 

"It was mixed feelings for me despite scoring because my team lost the game 4-1, though it was friendly, but we were not happy.

The good thing was the commendation I got from Maduka Okoye for my goal against him and my overall performance.

"I hope to continue working hard and improving my game as we prepare for the new season," Lawal said.

By Wale Mustapha

Future Eagles to camp at Lanreleke Sports Academy as Gusau hails Engr. Adeleke's intervention in sports infrastructure

 

NFF President Ibrahim Gasau has poured encomium on Engineer Lanre Adeleke, as he informed that the national U-15 male team tagged Future Eagles and its female counterpart will be camping at the Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo. 

Lanreleke Sports Academy was founded in 2021 and is a co-educational facility, fully residential and specialist Senior Secondary School. 

The nation's apex football egg-head who was on a working visit to Osun State, had a first-hand assessment of the level of football development in the state and also saw the sports facilities put in place by the government and private individuals. 

Gasau was led by the Osun State Football Association boss Sola Fanawopo to the Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo, 

Gasau who didn't hide his delight after seeing the state-of-the-art facilities at the Lanreleke Sports Academy said. 

"Let me start by applauding the vision of Engineer Lanre Adeleke, this is a huge investment towards developing the youths in Ileogbo. It was fantastic to see for myself the level of football development in Osun State. 

"Am impressed with the facilities the Lanreleke Sports Academy has in stock for our youths, the serene environment is good for academic learning and sports development of future talents. 

" With what I have seen at the facility, let me state that the Future Eagles and our female U-15 team, will be using the Lanreleke Sports Academy as their camp to further their development. 

"Also some talents from the Lanreleke Football Academy will be drafted to the Future Eagles. The NFF won't stop at that, as it will send a few technical personnel to the academy."

Ayodeji Ismail: Kwara United appoints veeran broadcaster as Head of Communication

 

The Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail has been appointed as media officer of Kwara United FC, following the resignation of its former officer, Jimoh Bashir, who was recently appointed as coordinator, ABS Football Club.

The move by the state funded club, according to pundits, is to further shore up its media visibility ahead of the new season.

Ayodeji is coming into the job with several years of media experience. 

Soft spoken, suave and urbane, the SWAN chairman is a trained broadcaster, seasoned blogger with solid experience in social media management.

"We expect Ayodeji Ismail to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the image of our darling club”, Wale Obalola the Secretary of Kwara United FC while handing the letter of appointment to the journalist in Ilorin at a short media ceremony.

Expressing gratitude for the privilege, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail admitted that the job is not only for him.

"SWAN and the entire media community in Kwara have been given an assignment and we will approach the task with all seriousness and I promise not to disappoint.

"Football and media feed off each other and can't be separated.

"I am especially grateful to the club management led by Kumbi Titiloye and I will not let him and Kwara United down," he said.

Governor Fubara rewards Rivers Angels with #25 million for President Federation Cup success

 

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded Rivers Angels with a sum of 25 million naira (N25,000,000) for their victory in the Women's President Federation Cup finals. 

The announcement was made during a grand reception for Rivers State sportsmen and women who brought glory to the state, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Three players who won individual awards also received cash rewards: Blessing Okpe (Most Valuable Player) - 2.5 million naira, Agatha Thompson (Best Goalkeeper) - 2.5 million naira, and Morufa Ademola (Best Goalkeeper in the Super Six) - 2.5 million naira. 

Governor Fubara promised continuous support for the team to achieve more success and bring glory to Rivers State.

Rivers Angels defeated Naija Ratels to win the women's President Federation Cup trophy.

 The reception also honored other sports teams and individuals who excelled in various competitions.

Here is the breakdown of the rewards:

- Rivers United U-17 boys - 30 million naira

- Rivers Hoopers - 25 million naira

- Cycling team - 5 million naira

- Special Sports Athletes - 10 million naira

- Hockey team - 10 million naira

- Table Tennis - 5 million naira

- Judo - 3 million naira

- Chess - 5 million naira

- Supporters club - 20 million naira

Betiku's achievement with Sunshine Stars speaks volumes

 

The name Seun Betiku rings a bell. Grown from being a former player, a shot-stopper to be precise in the domestic league to Team Manager, having learned from past result-oriented administrators who have managed Ondo football at the top level, Betiku ranks among the top team managers in the Nigeria Premier Football League. 

Changing the narrative at Sunshine Stars by maintaining professional standards at all times would naturally attract criticism, and it's challenging to say positive things about Betiku, as his criticisms are often opinion-based and come from a fraction of people who thrive on a 'Bring-him-down' syndrome. Football is not just football for Betiku, but adds player management to it, leading numerous players to fulfill their full potential at both Sunshine Stars and the women's team Sunshine Queens. Filled with energy and positive vibes, Betiku is a goal-getter, very articulate, an assertive communicator, and full of excitement, and nothing beats him than ensuring players' welfare is paramount. 

For critics to digest and have a know of Betiku, who started his football sojourn with Kogi United in 2006 while a student at the Kogi State University. It was Coach Raymond Ogosi of blessed memory who discovered and encouraged him to join the University team where he was noticed and asked to join Kogi United. He became a professional footballer after completing his education and joined Rising Stars FC in 2009. 

He made history in the 2014/15 football season by playing for three clubs in a single season due to his qualities. He started the season with Sunshine Stars and by Week 9, he joined Remo Stars when Bode Awakan was in charge. 

He then joined C.O.D FC by mid-season. 

While a professional footballer, Betiku was also learning football administration due to his closeness and the wonderful working relationships he has with the leadership of the clubs he played for. 

After his sojourn outside his state, Betiku returned to Akure in 2016 to play for Sunshine Stars. It was there he was exposed to proper football management, even as a player. 

He had the opportunity to work closely with veterans like Akin Akinbobola, Mike Idoko, and Chief Segun Adagunodo. 

He was able to study how these administrators managed club football, the affairs of players, and preparing the team for matches and was inspired by that. 

He decided from them, to toe the same path. It will be recalled that Sunshine Stars were so formidable that they qualified for continental football for two seasons, and reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. Then they had Akin Akinbobola and it was under him Sunshine Stars missed the league title by a point on the final day. Betiku retired from active football in 2017 due to a terrible shoulder injury.

He was lucky to get instant exposure to football administration with his appointment as Team Manager of Rising Stars FC for the 2017/2018 NLO season. 

He tinkered with the team to reach the promotion playoffs in Makurdi where they lost to Kwara Football Academy. The team reached another playoff the following season and they lost the chance to be promoted to the NNL to Ajiroba Ooni FC on goal difference. Having done tremendously well with Rising Stars, the young Betiku was drafted to Sunshine Queens the following season.

He was able to make a significant impact on Sunshine Queens with the experience he gathered as a player and from his previous assignment at Rising Stars. His style of administration was all-inclusive with transparency and honesty. It was easy for Betiku to identify the need for players to read their minds and know what they wanted at the right time the same route as a player. 

He prioritized the welfare of his players and made sure they were in good mental and physical condition at all times. He sees the players as soldiers and tools needed to succeed as an administrator.  That has helped him so well to achieve tremendous success.

He worked with Coach Mathew Wemimo as Technical Adviser of Sunshine Queens in the 2020/2021 NWFL season and the team qualified for the championship Super Six playoffs for the first time in 15 years. With his administrative acumen, Betiku was able to inspire Sunshine Queens to turn the surprise package of playoffs from being tagged as an underdog ahead of the playoffs ending the playoffs with just two points behind eventual winners, Rivers Angels. 

It was then he caught the attention of Governor Aiyedatiwa who was then the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. 

According to Betiku, Governor Aiyedatiwa has been a passionate lover of sports and Betiku ensured the NWFL board invited the then deputy Governor for the finals and honoured him with an award. It was Betiku's exploits with the Queens that convinced the State Government to appoint him as Team Manager of Sunshine Stars. 

As Team Manager of the Owena Whales under Hon. Aiyedatiwa who was the chairman of the Interim Management Committee of Sunshine Stars under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the club ended the 2021/2022 season 11th haven lost the final day fixture to Remo Stars. The following season was another significant one for Sunshine Stars under Betiku. The team participated in an abridged league where they were paired with the big boys in the league. 

With his expertise and support from the then Commissioner for Sports, Honorable Bamidele Ologun, Sunshine Stars finished third in that group and qualified for the championship playoffs in Lagos. He introduced the club's anthem which was admired by all and sundry and has become the club's identity to date.

Just as he did with Sunshine Queens, Betiku changed the narratives with Sunshine Stars at the playoffs by finishing fourth ahead of Insurance FC and Lobi Stars who were rated as favourites to win the playoffs. They missed the chance to seal a place in the continent no thanks to their heavy 3-0 defeat to eventual champions, Enyimba. 

It is noteworthy that Betiku deserves his flowers as one of the youngest and best sports administrators who has managed various cadres of football and made a significant impact at various levels. 

He will also be remembered for his laudable imprints and unwavering commitment to making sure Sunshine Stars remain one of the most celebrated and recognized clubs in Nigeria club football.

AA AZTEC Football Academy storms Portugal for 30-Day scouting programme

 

AA AZTEC Football Academy's travelling contingent has arrived in Portugal for a 30-day scouting program.

The delegation made up of 10 players and three officials left the shores of Nigeria via a flight from the international wing of the Muritala Mohammad Airport on Tuesday for Lisbon. 

Prince Ademola Olawepo Shennowo, President of the fast-growing football academy gave an insight into the programme details. 

"The scouting program in Portugal is tagged Club Athlectico Trial and it will run for one month.

" Our technical coaching staff have selected the best for the programme after the 10 talents had undergone intense training to develop their football skills and prepare them for the highest level in games and tournaments against other top football academies in and out of Ibadan."

Prince Shennowo expressed his optimism as AA AZTEC Football Academy is poised to take grassroot football to the next level. 

"I'm confident the team will do well in the one-month programme in Portugal, as they have been in a close camp to be in the best shape.

"We want to take advantage of the numerous contacts from the Club Athlectico Trial so that our young talents can develop their skills, measure their level and see what they can offer within the high-performance professional competition."

AA AZTEC Football Academy, an Ibadan, Oyo State-based sports facility, has a fully integrated football program to help talented young players reach their full potential.

FC Nwosu claims inaugural Ex Internationals Cup title as LSFA appreciates NFF, Soname others

 

The maiden edition of the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup 2024, organised by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), was successfully concluded Sunday, as it ended in a blaze of glory at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

In the final match, FC Nwosu defeated FC Ekpo, in a nail-biting penalty kicks of 6-5 after playing out a goalless 90 minutes in regulation time, to emerge winners of the giant trophy and the princely sum of N2 million.

Once again, like he did in the quater-finals and semi-finals respectively, goalkeeper Samuel Oriola of FC Nwosu, was the hero for his side as he saved two penalty kicks to gift his team the trophy.

And in its unique and refreshing style, the organisers made a resounding and unprecedented statement by ensuring that the winners received their prize monies of N2m, N1m, N500,000 and N250,000, for the first to the fourth placed teams respectively, just few hours after the conclusion of the games, to the delight of the winners, who were pleasantly surprised, as they expressed untold gratitude and appreciation to the organisers.

An elated LSFA boss, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, was thankful to God and everyone who made the tournament a success. Gafar remarked gleefully, that the tournament has set an enviable benchmark for football organisation in the country, which is synonymous with the Lagos State, as the centre of excellence.

While acknowledging the supports and partnership of Bet9ja, Mavlon Football Club, Owu Sportswear, Brila Fm, Sola Akinlade of Sporting Lagos, Liigi League, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu.

He added that with the able supports of the LSFA board members, stakeholders, associates and potential partners, next year's edition shall be better and bigger.

Hon. Kunle Soname, CEO/ President of Bet9ja and Value jet, who was obviously impressed by the standard of play and the level of organisation of the tournament, promised to give better support to the tournament in the next edition.

The final of the tournament which was, exciting, entertaining, glitzy and glamorous, was witnessed by the creme de la creme of Nigeria football, included Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, 1st Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation; Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, 2nd Vice-President of NFF;  George Aluo, Chairman of NNL; Alhaji Inuwa Ahlan, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Chairman Ogun State FA; Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Chairman Ondo State FA.

Others include Hon. Olalekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Prince Dapo Ajibade, Mutiu Adepoju, Coach Ladan Bosso, as well as States FA Chairmen of Edo, Anambra, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kano, Abia, Enugu and Plateau, respectively.