Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Launches Chairman’s Football Competition 2024

Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Launches Chairman’s Football Competition 2024  

 The Ibeju-Lekki Local Government has kick-started its highly anticipated 2024 Chairman’s Football Competition, an annual tournament designed to nurture grassroots football talent and promote youth engagement in sports.  

This year’s event was inaugurated with a press conference where the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, underscored the importance of investing in grassroots sports development. The event also featured a lecture and training session led by Mr. Felix Adekoya, Chairman of the Epe Divisional Football Association, emphasizing the need for financial and structural support for grassroots football.  

Focus on Youth Development  

The competition is tailored exclusively for under-16 players, with strict measures in place to ensure that only eligible young talents participate. Hon. Olowa explained that the initiative aims to identify and nurture young footballers in Ibeju-Lekki, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and potentially launch professional careers.  

“This tournament is about catching them young,” said Hon. Olowa. “We believe that Ibeju-Lekki has a wealth of untapped football talent, and it’s essential that we invest in these young players to prepare them for the future.”  

Challenges and Future Prospects  

Hon. Olowa noted that while the local government had initially planned to establish a sports academy to further develop local talent, the absence of a dedicated sporting center in the area posed a significant challenge. However, he expressed optimism, highlighting the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art sports center in Ibeju-Lekki by Senator Tokunbo Abiru under the Sail Initiative.  

“We are grateful for Senator Abiru’s intervention in building a world-class sports center,” Olowa stated. “This project will be a game-changer for our community, as it will enable us to establish a sports academy and provide our players with the resources they need to excel.”  

 A Call for Greater Support  

During the press conference, Mr. Felix Adekoya stressed the need for robust support from all levels of government and the private sector to sustain and expand grassroots football. He called for the provision of adequate training facilities and financial backing to ensure young talents can thrive.  

“The potential of grassroots football in Nigeria is immense,” Adekoya said. “With proper funding and infrastructure, we can nurture world-class players who will represent the country on global platforms.”  

 A Launchpad for Future Stars  

Hon. Olowa encouraged the young players participating in the competition to seize this opportunity to advance their soccer careers. He emphasized that the tournament is more than just a sporting event—it is a platform for discovering and promoting the next generation of football stars.  

“We want our players to dream big and see this tournament as a stepping stone to international success,” he said.  

As the 2024 Chairman’s Football Competition progresses, the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government remains committed to its vision of empowering youth through sports. With collaborative efforts from key stakeholders, the future of grassroots football in the region looks promising.