The Chairman, Ogun State Football Association, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi has called on stakeholders in the football circle to prioritize football development at the grassroot, describing it as a viable means of building for the future.
Alhaji Majekodunmi who is an Executive Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the assertion on Wednesday in Sagamu, Ogun State during the grand finale of the 2024 Bet9ja Ogun State Football League.
The NFF Board Member made it known that being a unifying factor, Football development should be prioritized, adding that the round leather game can contribute immensely to the growth of the country’s economy.
He said “Everywhere around the world, football is business, England, Italy, Spain and most European countries have commercialized football, even Saudi Arabia, and the return on investment is massive”.
“We talk about the success they now record, but we should also prioritize developing the game from the scratch, that’s the only way we can hit the top”.
He assured that the Ogun State Football Association and the Nigeria Football Federation will continue to come up with laudable initiatives that will further elevate Nigeria’s football status in the comity of football Nations”.
At the end of the Bet9ja Ogun State League Final, Mission Soccer Football Academy from Abeokuta defeated Imisioluwa FC of Imeko Afon 1-0 at the Gateway stadium, Sagamu.
The two finalists have qualified to represent the State at the Nationwide League playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Football Association bestowed award of excellence on individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of the game.
On the list of awardees is Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, the 2nd Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and chairman Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Dr.Muhammed Sanusi (MON) NFF General Secretary, Ex Internationals Chief Segun Odegbami (MON). and Victor Ikpeba, as well as Engr. Afolabi Bamise Kazeem and Otunba Adedamola Soname (MD/CEO Kuker Farms & Processing Ltd.)
Others are Commissioner for sports development in Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Commissioner of Police, Ogun State command, Abiodun Alamutu, NSCDC Commander in Ogun State, Idowu Ojelabi, and DSS Director, Ogun State command Alhaji Muhammed Ali.
The list also has Customs Comptroller James Folorunsho Ojo, Executive Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation Mrs. Aishat Falode, Commander Seni Ogunyemi (President Abeokuta Sports Club), Hon. Adeniran Adeyinka, Prophet Joseph Oyedokun, Sheikh Maruwf Salahudeen (Olubori Adeen of Egbaland), Dr. Adewale Adeola (President Abeokuta Club), Elder Victor Idowu, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade, Alhaja Kudirat Odebiyi, Mr. Timothy Herman Magaji (NFF Executive Board Member & Taraba State FA Chairman) and Dr. Yusuf Qudus.
Side attractions at the finale include display from the Ogun State cultural troupe, and various entertainment groups.
Commissioner for Sports Hon. Wasiu Isiaka was represented, while his counterpart from the culture and tourism ministry, High Chief Sesan Fagbayi was present.
Other dignitaries present include Board Members of the Ogun State Football Association, as well as management and staff of Ogun State Sports council.
