Ilaji Football League (IFL) kicked off on Thursday at the newly renovated stadium of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan.
The opening of the tournament sponsored by the Chief Executive Officer of the resort, Chief Dotun Sanusi, was witnessed by five traditional rulers and the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Mr Seyi Fakorede.
The commissioner, in a speech, reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to sports development through proper funding and management of the sector.
Fakorede commended Chief Sanusi for his contributions to the socio-economic development of the state through massive investments in sports and implored other well-to-do people in the state to take a cue from the activities of the entrepreneur.
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The commissioner, who performed the ceremonial kickoff of the IFL, stated that Governor Makinde’s administration would not relent in its efforts to make Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and other professional sports clubs in the state forces to reckon with.
Speaking with newsmen, Chief Sanusi disclosed that his decision to sponsor the league was borne out of his determination to take many youths as possible off the streets and the desire to give these youths the platform to showcase their God-given talents with a view to earning a decent living are part of the reasons why he sponsored the league.
He added that the clamour to see our sportsmen and women performing at the highest level must be met with provision of world-class sporting infrastructure adding that it is after the society has done its part that we can now demand so much from the athletes
Among the dignitaries that graced today’s event include; Oba Saliu Akanbi Adetunji (Aje-Ogungunniso I), the Olubadan of Ibadanland; Iba of Kishi, Ona-Onibode of Igboho, Baagi of Sakiland, stakeholders from the Ministry of Youths and Sports in Oyo State, Col. Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Akerele, Chairperson Ibadan-Week 2020; captains of industry among others.
In the first match of the day, Ibarapa United, the team from Ibarapa area of Oyo State, pumped three goals into the back of the net of Iseyin United who managed to reply to two goals.
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The team from Oluyole, Ibadan United defeated Igboho United by the same goals margin while Oyo United kept a clean sheet when they thrashed Ogbomosho United by two un-replied goals.
The last match of the week saw Kishi United displayed their superiority over the Igbeti side when they walloped by three goals to one.
Meanwhile, actions continue next Thursday in the week 2 encounter of the league.