The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued support of youth-focused sporting initiatives, describing him as a “sports-loving governor” whose passion for youth empowerment is unmatched.
Mogaji made these remarks while representing His Excellency at the press conference for the upcoming Seyi Tinubu Cityzens Cup, held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at House 12 Work Space, Onikanga Street, Ilorin.
Speaking on the impact of sports in societal development, Mogaji said, “We must continue to appreciate our sports-loving Governor for embracing virtually all sports tournaments that promote social inclusion, youth empowerment, engagement, and development.”
He noted that the Seyi Tinubu Cityzens Cup aligns perfectly with the administration’s goals of curbing social vices and promoting unity across diverse backgrounds, adding that, like the Governor, he strongly believes in the tournament’s power to transform lives.
Mogaji also urged referees and officials to uphold fairness throughout the competition to ensure peace, unity, and an injury-free tournament.
He lauded the Kwara State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) under the leadership of Ismaila Ayodeji for its role in amplifying sports awareness both in Kwara and across Nigeria.
In a show of support for grassroots sports development, Mogaji praised the tournament convener, Aliyu Olamilekan Bello, and the organizing committee for their commitment to using sports as a tool for community advancement.
The Seyi Tinubu Cityzens Cup is scheduled to kick off in Ilorin from April 12 to 19, 2025, with 16 football teams participating. The tournament targets players aged 18 to 25 and is backed by the Kwara State Government as part of its broader agenda for football growth and youth development.
Organizers of the event emphasized that the goal of the tournament is to “change the narrative of leadership by inspiring the youth to take charge of their future.”
Speaking at the event, Head of the Organizing Committee, Aliyu Olamilekan Bello, described the initiative as “a movement that tells the world that our generation is not just waiting for change but actively driving it.”
He expressed gratitude to key supporters of the event including Governor AbdulRazaq, Seyi Tinubu, Otega Ogra, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji, Hajia Maryam Nnafatima Imam, and several others for their unwavering support.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Hajia Maryam Nnafatima Imam, Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development; Mallam Ibrahim Bako, Director of Sports; Bayo Issa (Mr. Sports); Ayodeji Ismaila of SWAN; and Olaide Ahli, all of whom commended the initiative for its role in promoting unity, friendship, and positive transformation through sports.
