Senator Sadiq Umar received widespread acclaim as stakeholders, traditional rulers, political figures, and football enthusiasts gathered at the Kwara State Stadium complex on December 20 for the opening ceremony of the second edition of the U-15 Governor’s Cup football championship.
The tournament is fully Sponsored by Senator Sadiq Umar, the senator from Kwara North, however, the event featured teams from all 16 local government areas, underscoring its significance in the state’s football development.
Senator Sadiq Umar, representing Kwara North Senatorial district, expressed gratitude to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for placing Kwara State on a sustainable path.
He highlighted the tournament’s crucial role in discovering and nurturing young football talents across the state, emphasizing its positive impact on the community and the economic prospects for the players.
The Chairman of Kwara State Football Association, Idris Abdullahi, acknowledged Senator Sadiq Umar’s pivotal role in supporting football.
He praised Kwara’s deliberate and strategic approach to football development, creating an environment for all football stakeholders to thrive. Abdullahi also commended local government authorities for ensuring the active participation of their teams in the tournament.
Traditional rulers, represented by the Olupo of Ajase-ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Atoloye, expressed admiration for Senator Sadiq Umar’s contributions to the state’s development.
The monarch highlighted the senator’s far-reaching impact and affirmed the positive influence of the tournament on the local community.
A significant highlight of the event was the presentation of players discovered in the inaugural edition, now playing for Kwara United. This success story underscored the tournament’s effectiveness in identifying and nurturing football talent.
The festive atmosphere continued with the presentation of jerseys to participating teams, a lively match past, and a ceremonial match between Ilorin East LG and Oyun LG.
The celebration concluded with guests treated to a captivating display of football artistry. As the tournament progressed, all participating teams geared up to compete for glory, promising an exciting showcase of skill and teamwork starting from Thursday.
The overall sentiment was one of appreciation for Senator Sadiq Umar’s visionary sponsorship, marking a positive chapter in Kwara State’s football development journey.
