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Five million customised footballs bearing President Bola Tinubu’s campaign identity are set to roll into Nigerian communities, as the Tinubu Progressive Advocates (TPA) turns the nation’s favourite game into a tool for grassroots mobilisation.
The plan was unveiled in Lagos at the inauguration of the group’s National Board of Trustees, state chapter representatives and other officials. The event, held at Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA), also saw Emiloju Football Club Chairman and All Sports Supporters Club Deputy President, Alhaji Jimoh Musiliu, appointed Senior Adviser.
TPA is a political support organisation set up to promote the achievements and re-election ambition of the President ahead of the next general elections. Organisers say the footballs will be distributed across local government areas to raise awareness and encourage political participation among young people and other grassroots stakeholders. They described the move as a way of taking engagement beyond conventional rallies and meetings, given football’s wide appeal across age, class and region.
Musiliu described the appointment as a call to greater responsibility. “It’s a great feeling to have been appointed as a Senior Adviser to the Tinubu Progressive Advocates (TPA), Lagos State Chapter. I consider this appointment a great responsibility and an opportunity to contribute more towards promoting the ideals and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
He added: “This position is a wake-up call for me, and I won’t relent in my bid to keep inspiring the president and all members of the APC. I believe there is still much work to be done, particularly at the grassroots, where the people need to understand the policies and programmes of the administration.”
The National Coordinator of TPA, Ambassador Lion Moses Ebahor, presented Musiliu with a special collar of honour. Musiliu is expected to draw on his experience in football administration and supporters’ activities, and his network in the sports community, to boost the organisation’s outreach.
He also urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). “I am using this medium to urge all Nigerians to get their PVCs and come out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility. We must continue to encourage participation in the democratic process and support the candidates whose programmes and policies we believe will move the country forward,” he stated.
Musiliu said he would work with other TPA members to strengthen the group’s presence in Lagos and beyond, and expressed optimism that the football distribution project would open new avenues for community engagement.
Among those at the ceremony were the Vice Chairman of Iru-Victoria Island LCDA, Olatunji Ajasa, and the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Laimeed Gafar.
