By Kunle Baworin
In the spirit of promoting sports among youths, the lawmaker representing Somolu Constituency One in Lagos State House of Assembly, Abiodun Orekoya, has presented one million naira cheque and consolation prizes to Bariga Ward E team after defeating their opponents from Somolu Ward H 1-0 to emerge winners of Orekoya Alliance Tournament (OAT).
The presentation was made at the Season 4th Edition final of Orekoya Alliance Tournament, a football competition among youths under 17 years in Somolu and Bariga areas of Lagos State.
Speaking about the significance of the tournament, Orekoya said youth engagement initiatives such as OAT provided opportunities for talent exhibition and development, fostered unity and created space for exploration.
He highlighted the tournament’s success in scouting and supporting gifted players, noting that a participant from a previous edition now plays for Nigeria’s junior national team.
“We are building their tomorrow,” he said, advising youths to stay focused, avoid drugs, embrace fair play and support one another.
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogulende, commended the lawmaker for using sports as a unifying tool to engage youths constructively and keep them off the streets.
Transport Commissioner Osinyemi Oluwaseun, emphasised the role of sports in providing alternatives to crime and creating professional pathways in football.
The Bariga Ward H team, coached by Mudashiru Adewale, secured a hard-fought victory to reach the final. The match’s standout performer, Olaitan Ridwan, who scored the decisive goal and was named Man of the Match, attributed their success to hard work.
