By Bolaji Okunola
Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo and other top sports administrators, have charged individuals and cooperate bodies to invest in grassroots sports, stating it will help foster sports development.
Aluo, stated this while gracing the annual Paddysco Sports Talent Showcase and Awards which was organised by Lagos based sports club, Paddysco Sports Academy, on June 15, 2025, at Festac Town Lagos.
Aluo, who also served as the Chairman of the occasion, urged rising stars of the academy to remain focus on their goals and ambitions while predicting a better future for Nigeria sports.
“ I’m glad to welcome all to today’s occasion and I’ll love to give kudos to the organizers who derived pleasure staging a show of this magnitude. I believe it’s highly time individuals and private bodies invest into sports for government can’t do it alone. Individuals’ tabling their cash is the only way our sports can survive. The idea of catching them young certainly starts from grassroots level and clubs like Paddysco has set a standard for others to follow. I won’t relent in my passion of drumming supports for grassroots clubs who have invested so much for the betterment of the game. I urged all rising stars to remain focus for tomorrow is bright,” he stated.
Acknowledging his presence, owner of Paddysco Sports, Peter Okereke, applauded Aluo’s kind gesture while hinting all hands were on deck to ensure the academy moves to enviable height in nearest future.
Okereke, however, salutes all awardees who he believed has impacted positively to the growth of Nigeria sports.
“This is just a tip of iceberg compared to what we have in offing. This event celebrates the unsung heroes who have made significant contributions to sports, social and community development. I give kudos to all as we gather here to recognise and honour individuals and groups who have excelled in their chosen fields. We celebrate their achievements, dedication, and passion for creating a better future for our community.”
“I ventured into this with the mindset to promote grassroots sports and I’m glad it’s yielding results capable of promoting the image of the country,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, Liameed Olawale Gafar, Executive Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Honorable Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, top football scout, Emmanuel Attai, Emeka Kluivert, Okwuchukwu Ositadinma amongst others, bagged awards while players of the academy entertained guests with series of activities.