Succour came the way of 64 youth soccer clubs in Ibadan North East/ South East federal constituency as their lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedapo Lam-Adesina yesterday assisted them with brand new jerseys, boots, gloves, shin guards and other sporting equipment.
This was a part of fulfillment of promises made during the 2015 general election, to ensure youths’ engagement through sporting activities.
The initiative, which was the first of its kind in the history of the constituency and the state as a whole, was held at St. Luke’s College, Molete.
While addressing journalists, the initiator of the programme, who is also a former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Oyo State, disclosed that the development of sports, especially at the grassroots level was part of his campaign promises to the people.
The young lawmaker noted that the introduction of Omo Oloore Sports Development Scheme was to ensure that the dream of developing sports in his constituency come into reality.
While disclosing the various projects he has embarked upon to engage youths in the constituency, Lam-Adesina stated that the ongoing Omo Oloore Mini Stadium at Oke-‘Badan High School, Oluyoro, Oke-Offa is to ensure that budding talents that will lift the glory of sports in the constituency and state as a whole at both national and international competitions are discovered.
He further reiterated that he has been supporting grassroots sports right from the primary and secondary school levels.
He added that this year alone, over 20 schools benefitted from the his sports scheme through their Annual School Inter-House Competitions, where trophies, balls and financial support were rendered to the schools for sports development.
He promised not to rest on his oars in ensuring that the bar of sporting activities in the constituency is raised in order to meaningfully engage the youth, as well as reducing the level of social vices in the state.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter, Niyi Alebiosu, commended the initiative of Hon. Adedapo Lam Adesina for deeming it fit to develop sports, in particular at the grassroots level.
The SWAN boss called on other well meaning individuals in the society to emulate the philanthropic gesture of youthful lawmaker to contribute to the development of sports in their respective domains.
The historical event, which was highlighted by a novelty match between Omo Oloore Team and SWAN Team.
The epoch making event, had in attendance stakeholders in the sports arena in the state, especially at the grassroots level, including the representatives of Nigerian Football Coaches Association, Youth Department, Nigerian Coaches Association, Ibadan/Ibarapa Zonal Council as well as Ibadan Society of Referees.
Also in attendance were the Chieftains and members of the All Progressives Congress across the two local governments, representatives of Community Development Council (CDC) and other notable groups to honour Hon. Lam Adesina.
