By Gilbert Ekezie
Recently, Stakeholders in Sporting activities gathered at the Ajeromi Ifelodun (AJIF)Local Government Secretariat, Ajegunle, Lagos State on the occasion of Sports Summit 2.0,’ with the theme: ‘Community Sports Ownership: Gateway to Curbing Youth Restiveness and Unemployment, ‘ organised by the Local Government Sports Council.
Among those present at the Summit include a frontline sports journalist, Desmond Ekwueme, former professional striker^Peter Neiketein, Austin Popo, Daddy Showkey, Alhaji Yusuf Adeniji, Hon Sameondeen Arogundade of Sunshine Kindheart Foundation, Mr Adewale Adeogun and Ifeanyi Udeze, a former Super Eagles player
The stakeholders , having brainstormed on the need for grassroots sports development, came to a conclusion that community sports ownership is what is highly needed at this time, as it is capable of taking the young people off the streets, as well serve as a great source of employment in the locality.
In his remarks, Convener of the Summit and Director General of Ajeromi Ifelodun Sports Council, Mr McAnthony Anaelechukwu described the summit as a day stakeholders met to dig deep into the seemingly insurmountable problems bedeviling Sports development in the Local Government Area by perusing into the past and bringing to the fore , what made the locality produce talents for various national teams.
He also noted that the summit offered an opportunity for the stakeholders to look at the present, and see what is not done right; and then look into the future , with the goal of taking rightful place on the pinnacle of world sports.
Anaelechukwu who said the Ajeromi Ifelodun Sports Council was established in 2019 by Hon Fatai Ayoola’s administration for better management of sporting activities, take the youths off the streets and to create employment, pledged prudent management of any fund made available for him.
He opined that for the community sports to succeed, there is need for commitment by all and sundry. “Obviously, our aims cannot be easily achieved, without you present here today. I am optimistic that together, we can produce those talents that can take the world by storm. Also, together , we shall all speak with one voice and create job opportunities for our youths, through meaningful involvement in sports.”
Anaelechukwu, who is also Special Adviser to the Local Government Chairman on Media and Publicity, explained that even though there have been other summits in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, the Sport Summit 2.0 was specifically designed to give back to the community. “We have been having other summits, but this particular one came into being because we want to give back to the community, so that everyone will have the opportunity to participate. You know, in foreign lands, teams like Barcelona, Manchester United etc, are being owned by stakeholders in the community, who are card-carrying members of the clubs. They are the ones that pay to become members of those clubs, and if they stand up to say they don’t want this or that as president of the club, the person will be removed . It was the fans who chased Asene Wenger out of Arsenal. That is exactly what we want to replicate here.”
He also maintained that the essence of the summit was to sensitize the Communities on how to join hands too, to ensure a formidable sports development that would help in promoting crime-free society and create employment opportunities for the youths in their various communities. “That is what we are trying to do. And, we can’t achieve that without the traditional rulers, who are the custodians of laws and culture of the land. That is the readon you see the nine Baales, the thirty- nine Community Development Association chairmen and the Community Development Committe executive officers are all present.”
On the readiness of the traditional rulers to cue into the dream, Anaelechukwu said Chairman of the Local Government has held a meeting with the traditional rulers (Baales), intimating them of the upcoming competitions called “Community Shield.’ “In the competition , each Baale will own a team, Baale of Awodiora Community will bring his own team, and every player must come from that community. Baale Ayetoro will bring his team and so on. Then, there will be a competition, where the winner will go home with N1million, second prize N500,000, third prize, N250,000. The competition will start after the Eid-el fitri celebration.
“By the time a community wins two times, other ones too, will like to work harder. So, no community or Baale will like to be left behind.”
“By the time a community wins two times, other ones too, will like to work harder. So, no community or Baale will like to be left behind.”
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Hon Fatai Adekunle Ayoola explained that the importance of sports development in the locality cannot be over emphasized, pointing out that it was the reason his administration devotes efforts in ensuring that the needed facilities for its development are put in place in the locality.
He said that among the promises he made to the people during his electioneering campaign were infrastructure, health and sports development, because he would like Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area to be widely known for sports and music.”In Lagos State today, if one needs a place for good printing job, he will be referred to Somolu, Ladipo is known for spare parts, Computer village Ikeja is known for Computers and phones, while Ojo Alaba is known for electrical and electronic products. So, I want my Local Government Area to be know for sports and music.”
Ayoola, informed that a total number of 71 public primary and secondary schools in his local council, the highest in the whole federation, is a credit to his administration, and that no teacher has been owed salary since he came on board.
He also explained that his administration embarked on renovation of schools immediately he assumed office , and in doing that , he combined it with knowledge of technology, so that the children are exposed to what their mates are experiencing in the private schools within the area. “Interestingly, our schools are equipped with ICT centres, Libraries and sports complexes. We also constructed Odion Ighalo Stadium at Tolu area, to give our young people access to sporting activities. It may also interest you to know that the construction of Maracana Stadium, Tolu, is in progress.”
Ayoola informed that there is a law guiding it, which stipulates that there will be election of officers every three years. “Notwithstanding the time frame, members of the Sports Council should be mindful that they can be voted out for non-performance.So, we need much commitment to achieve our goals.”
The Council boss pledged that he would continue to do his best to see that sports and music become the identify of the locality by showing more commitments to enhance their development. “In Lagos State today, if you want the best place for printing jobs, it is Somolu, if you want spare parts, it is Ladipo, if you electrical and electronics, you will be referred to Ojo Alaba, Ikeja is well known for Computers and Phones. Therefore, ours should be Sports and Music.”
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers in the area, Baale of Alayabiagba, Chief Adesina Ojora commended the Local Government for the wonderful arrangement put in place to save the locality and her residents from idleness and crime.
He assured that the traditional rulers will play their roles in ensuring that the dream comes true. “This is a laudable programme, as is will help fight crime and reduce unemployment being suffered by the younger people of our communities. We will do our best to key into it.”
One of the Panelists, Mr Desmond Ekwueme, having encouraged community sports, decried absence of sports policy in the country.
He opined that for the sports development agenda of the present administration in the local government to survive, there should be continuity in implementation of sports policy.
Another Panelist, Mr Peter Nieketein stated that sports is a unifying factor and stressed the need for it to be given the deserved encouragement.
Awards we’re given to some of those who have contributed immensely towards the promotion of sporting activities in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area.