The Senator representing Lagos -East Senatorial District at the Senate House, Sen. Bayo Oshinowo, popularly known as pepperito has harped on the imperative of sports to youth development.
Senator Oshinowo was speaking on Sunday at the second edition of Senator Bayo Oshinowo Lagos -East football competition organised by Afilaka Cypon promotion in conjunction with Kosofe Grassroot Football, said sporting activities does not only brings people together it was also an avenue for youth development.
The senator who was represented by a member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Eti-Osa constituency, Hon. Gbolahan Yishau, explained that youths were full of energy, and must be helped to direct their energy into worthwhile venture like sports to prevent them from dissipating such into criminal activities.
“Sports bring youths together,it is a unifying force, it fosters unity among our people while also helping the youths to discover and harness their God given potential, therefore, we must continue to encourage sports among the youths”,he said.
Also speaking during the final match which was between Team Pepper Ojota and Salawe FC Ketu, the Chairperson of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Mayoress Samiat Bola Dada, in her opening speech also noted that sports and youth development were integral part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s programme they all have to key into.
“Provisions has already been made for sports development in the 2020 budget, our governor is committed to youth and sports development particularly at the grassroots.
“We are building back mini- stadium and football pitches across the state to discover and harness new talent in the world of sports which is part of our strategy for youth development in the state,” the chairman said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the host of the football match, Alaba Shonaike, said the tournament started since last year with many teams across the senatorial district culminating into final match between the two teams.
The final match was a long stretch after a goalless 90 minutes battle between the two teams, ending in a penalty shootout that saw team Pepper Ojota carrying the day.
It was a dramatic match, full of apprehension as the penalty shootout continued like an endless battle, sending jilter down the spines of all players and supporters alike until Team Pepper Ojota scored the deciding goal that welcome the final whistle.
Other dignitaries at the event were, Hon. Tobun Abiodun representing Epe constituency at the Lagos Assembly, Mayor Dele Oshinowo,Chairman Agboyi Ketu LCDA among others.
Match officials were Ekun Folashade (Referee), Olawale Salami (Ass. Referee 1), Ahmed Shobaloju (Ass. Referee 2) and Ogunola Tope (commentator). Team Pepper Ojota was captain by Michael Chibueze in number 4 jersey and Salawe FC Ketu captain by Seyi Ara in number 5 jersey.
