Sports: Edo LGC announces sponsorship of 5 - Aside Schools football Championship

• Says initiative to discover talents for future of football in Nigeria 

Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin 

Hon. Tom Obaseki (C) flanked on the immediate (R) by Olympian Yusuf Alli 

In continuation of its annual sports calendar, the Oredo Local Government Council, Edo State has announced the sponsorship of the 5 - Aside Schools football Championship which begins on the 2nd May to 13 July, 2024.

The Championship tagged: 'Oredo Games 2024: "will have pupils and students from various primary and junior secondary schools in the council area to battle it out on the pitch, to be crowned the ultimate 5-Aside Football champion with various individual and collective prizes to be won."

The Council Chairman, Hon. Tom Obaseki made the announcement in a media briefing on Monday, 29 April, 2024 in Benin-City, the State Capital.

Hon. Obaseki said the Championship is a noble initiative of his administration to develop talents in Oredo by 'Catching them Young', for the future of football in Nigeria.

With the Edo State Sports Commission, 70s Grill and Edo State Drivers Welfare Scheme as partners for its sustainability, he disclosed.

"We have also secured the participation of an international scout to ensure that outstanding talents are given international exposure."

The Council boss asserts; "this is one of a kind talent development sport initiative by a Local Government in Nigeria and we believe that at the end of this event; international stars will be born in Oredo."

Hon. Obaseki responding to a question from journalists reiterated that the focus of the Championship is to discover talents for the future and not cash reward for participants.

This is as he disclosed that within the month of June and July, his administration will be sponsoring indoor games; traditional sports like Ayu/ogidise in Edo language, Ludo, and draft for example. "And we hope to close the year with a 10km race."

The event venue includes; Uwa Primary School, Owegie Primary School, New Era College and Anglican Girls Grammar School, he said.

Also speaking at the briefing, Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Olympian Yusuf Alli commended the Chairman for taking initiatives he described as pointing the way for other peers.

He noted that sports is no more for recreation alone, but now an industry with huge opportunities and money.

Hence the initiative of the administration of Hon. Obaseki must be commended for taking steps to discover and groom talents for the future who will turn professional and will be making money for themselves, family and become an asset to the society, he stated.

Alli consequently promised, that the State Sports Commission will continue to support the Council whenever it is requested; "Mr. Chairman, you have our 100 percent support, you can count on us if you need our facilities; anything you need!"