Why I am investing in grassroot football, says Akogun Omole
Special Adviser on Transport to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Hon Olugbenga Omole, has said his desire to invest in grassroot youth football was to promote unity, love, peace and progress among the youths as well as showcase the talents inherent in Oka Akoko.
Hon Omole vowed to remain determined to sustain the competition and make it bigger every year.
Omole spoke in Akure at a press briefing ahead of the finals of his Akogun Annual Football Competition for Oka Akoko youths.
The former lawmaker said he brought talent scouts and coaches, who watch the youths play with a view to picking out potentials from the tournament.
He said, “We also have great football figures, legends and superstars grace the occasion to encourage the youths. They share their stories and insights so the youths can see greatness in themselves.
“Their presence and other soccer scouts have yielded results as we have had talented players exported to join clubs and teams outside the shore of our state.
“Football is a big business globally spinning over $4B income in 2023 and it’s to projected to rise to $5.65B by 2031,we want to be part of this and with proper grooming the talents discovered in this competition can be turned to stars and this will rub off on the thier families and communities.”
Nigeria’s former international and winner of the 1997 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, appealed for more sponsorship of grassroots football competition in order to produce more talents for the country.
Ikpeba praised the Akogun Football Competition for being on the right track to discover more talents for the country.
“It’s a privilege to be in Akure, I am here to support Akogun Gbenga Omole for what he has been doing, I think this is the sixth edition, I am a product of grassroots football.
“Personally, I do believe that though i have stopped playing,i still get myself involved in football, I am still part of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee, so it’s our role to support grassroots football.
“So, when the honourable contacted me and I saw what he has been doing in the past six years, I was impressed and I think there is no better way to give something back to the community and see how you can develop these young boys and girls.
“I know the people love football in Ondo State. I decided to come and my teammates have been here before to support what he is doing. We are here to support what he is doing and it will be a privilege to be in Akoko.”
“I want to commend him and also appreciate the governor. He saw us yesterday, I want to thank the people of Ondo state, it was peaceful when we got here yesterday, showing the leadership qualities exhibited by the governor,”the 1996 Olympics gold medalist said.
The ex football international said that he would involve in the talent hunt in the state and participate more in the competition in 2025 edition.
