By Olayinka Owolewa
Taiwo Michael Awoniyi, a young Nigerian footballer who play as a forward for Premier League Club, Nottingham Forest Football Club in England, has become a household name in Kwara State, Nigeria.
His passion for football and philanthropic activities have endeared him to the hearts of many people in the state.
Awoniyi was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, some few years ago and started playing football from a tender age.
He developed his skills playing football on the streets of Ilorin, and soon joined a local football Unicorn Football Academy, where he was discovered by a talent scout who spotted his raw talent and potential.
Awoniyi moved to Imperial Academy where he made his professional debut and soon became a key player for the club.
His impressive performances caught the attention of top football clubs in Europe, and in 2015, he was signed by Liverpool FC in England.
Since joining Liverpool, Awoniyi has been on loan to several football clubs in Europe, including FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Royal Excel Mouscron, and KAA Gent. He has also made appearances for the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles.
Not only has Awoniyi been making an impact on the football pitch, but he has also been using his position to impact positively on the lives of people in Kwara State. He has launched several philanthropic initiatives in the state, aimed at improving the lives of young people and promoting the development of football in the region.
Awoniyi recently visited Ilorin General Hospital unannounced to support the needy and patients who can’t afford certain bills or the other.
He even took the bill of a cancer patient who needed around half a million naira to complete a circle ahead of the next stage of her treatment.
One of his major initiatives is the Awoniyi Youth Football Tournament, which he launched in 2019, the competition is now dubbed “Never Stop Dreaming Cup”.
The tournament is aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talents in Kwara State, and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national and international level.
The tournament features several teams from across the state, and provides young players with an opportunity to learn from coaches and football professionals.
Awoniyi has also launched a scholarship scheme for young people in Kwara State, aimed at ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to education.
The scheme provides financial assistance to children in need, covering the cost of school fees, uniforms, books, and other school supplies.
As a result of his philanthropic activities, Awoniyi has become a role model for many young people in Kwara State. His commitment to giving back to his community, and promoting the development of football and education, has earned him the respect and admiration of people in the state.
Taiwo Awoniyi has not only made a name for himself in the world of football, but has also touched the lives of many people in his home state of Kwara, Nigeria.
His passion for football and his commitment to philanthropic activities have made him a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
It is hoped that more young people will follow in his footsteps, and use their talents to promote positive change in their communities.
