Good Governance especially in the area of sports is set to be honoured at the 62nd Independence anniversary of Nigeria as the organisers of the maiden edition of Play Football for Good Governance are set to reward and promote Good Governance through an award ceremony and seminar-cum-football competition slated for the 1st to 3rd of October 2022 at the Olubadan Stadium.
Ayo Ademokoya, the coordinator of the programme stated that it is a private initiative together with a major partner and initiator of the concept Mr Kayode Idowu, popularly called ‘Skilla’, to use the power of sport, especially football to spread the gospel of good governance in our society as we approach the 2023 general elections.
The programme which would feature the likes of Shooting Stars Sports Club Ibadan, Ijesha Golden Warriors of Ilesa, Osun State, Housing Corporation of Ibadan and Ilaji FC of Ibadan would start with an award program on Saturday, 1st of October at 3 pm with a seminar titled: IMPACT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SPORTS DIPLOMACY ON OUR SOCIETY to be delivered by Barrister Jubril Olanrewanju.
The Deputy Governor Of Oyo State Barrister Bayo Lawal, Ibadan City Polytechnic, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan(Akoro), Honourable Oyebayo Rawlings, Barrister Rotimi Alli, Chief (Engr) Dotun Sanusi, Olufemi Ajao, Princess Folashade Arewa Adeyemi, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote and Barrister Jubril Mohammed Olanrewaju are all set to receive meritorious awards distinguishing them and recognising their various works of good governance in all ramification.
“As we all know, the power and reach of Sports especially football are unquantifiable. It has no stratification no gender, no religion, no politics, even education, financial or economic affluence does stop football to bring every cadre together, It’s a strong unifier of the human species, so there for if properly utilised can be used to preach a message or message.
“That’s why we believe that this country and sports stakeholders need to dwell on the power SPORTS DIPLOMACY has to offer the main reason as we shall be celebrating the 62nd Independent anniversary of our dear nation this October 1st to use the power of sports to preach the Gospel of Good Governance through a seminar and a two-day football tournament making it a three-day program involving four teams of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Ilaji FC, Housing Corporation and Ijesha Golden Warriors of Osun State to propagate the gospel of Good Governance which we all know that it’s lacking in all facet of Nigerian life.
“However it’s never totally a hopeless situation; as we have identified role models of Good Governance in their private or public dealings to be encouraged and recognised through an award ceremony slated for the 1st of October with a seminar where about 12 awardees which include, the current Deputy Governor of Oyo State Barrister Bayo Lawal, for his role of revamping Housing Corporation as the Chairman and support the team to representing Oyo State at the just concluded AITEO Cup Competition before they were edged out in Round 32.
“Also is the new chairman of Shooting stars, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan (Akoro) for stabilising the team and worked so hard behind the scene to ensure the team does not relegate within his short stay he resumed office.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote is to receive an award as in just one season, won a continental for Remo Stars to mention but a few of his achievements.
“If you go to Olubadan Stadium, you can see what Barrister Rotimi Alli has done at Olubadan Stadium and that’s why we are hosting the games and events there to showcase the new Olubadan Stadium.
“Ibadan City Polytechnic too is an educational establishment that has been using their private money to support sports.
“Engineer (Dr) Dotun Sanusi of Ilaji Sports needs no introduction, everyone can see his huge investment and how he runs that place.
“Of course, it’s supposed to be a Nigerian thing but we want to grow the tournament to Southwest teams and increase the participation that is why we are involving Ijesha Golden Warriors of Ilesa, Osun state to encourage the founder of the club, Honourable Oyebayo Rawlings through an Award too,” Ademokoya concludes.
