The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman’s football cup tournament has said that the competition, commencing in October this year, will ensure that the talents in the youth community are harnessed for nation-building, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The LOC chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, who doubles as Chairman, Conference 57, made this known while speaking with newsmen in Lagos, describing the tournament as a key project towards actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, just as he stated that the event is strictly apolitical and carries no political colouration.
According to him, the U-20 football tournament, which is targeted to engage five million young Nigerians in Lagos State, was conceived in support of the Lagos State chairman of the party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, saying that it was designed as a community league with a strong focus on talent discovery.
Besides, Oluwa said the tournament seeks to engage young people in a constructive activity capable of opening doors to improved living standards while nurturing their dreams in sports, adding that matches would be played at the ward level in Lagos State, 57 Local Councils from where the finalists would emerge.
“It (U-20 players tournament) is designed as a community league with a strong focus on talent discovery. It seeks to engage young people in a constructive activity capable of opening doors to improved living standards while nurturing their dreams in sports.
“Matches will be played at the ward level in Lagos State, 57 Local Councils from where the finalists will emerge,” he added.
The LOC chairman expressed confidence that through this platform, many young talents would be exposed to opportunities that can shape their future and career.
Olowa, while stating that the football tournament is strictly apolitical and carries no political colouration, further stated that it would provide an opportunity to drive awareness among the youths on the importance of registering for and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order to actively participate in future elections.
“In this regard, efforts are ongoing to liaise with relevant authorities to establish a PVC registration point at the tournament venue for easy access.
“Furthermore, this initiative is being implemented in collaboration with a wide range of private sector partners as well as football administration bodies, including the Federal Government football agency, Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development and other relevant football governing institutions.
“Their technical and professional support will ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of APC in Lagos State, Hon. Adedola Jokomba, said the tournament scheduled to commence in October 2025, will be officially unveiled at the party’s secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, Lagos, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expected to be the Chief Host and all other State Legislatures and Executives.
“The tournament will be officially unveiled at the APC Lagos State Chapter Secretariat Acme, Ikej,a Lagos, in October 2025. Where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to be the Chief Host and all other State Legislatures and Executives,” he said.
Jokomba expressed the belief that the tournament would reduce crime, empower and expose the youth to international communities.
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