‘Youths can build their future’ -says HEDA

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

As the football competitions, Alimosho Kids football  Tournament kicked off on Monday, at the Ejigbo mini stadium, youths have been reminded that what becomes of their future largely falls on  them to make or Mar it.

Presentation of gift items From HEDA to lucky students during the Opening session at Ejigbo, Lagos

The Convener, Upright Nigeria and the Executive Secretary, Human and Environmental  Development  Agenda( HEDA), Alhaji Olarewaju Suraju who spoke on the Imperatives of Alimosho Kids Tournament implored the kids and youths to explore the benefits of sports  for their future development.

Suraju who was represented at the event by Mr. Sina Odugbami said there cannot be a nation without the youths, and that the future of the nation lies on the youths to rid  her of corruption and corrupt practices.

He called on the young  and the adults to stand  up against corruption, which he said has brought down the nation. He further called on corporate organizations to support the tournament as avenue to disabuse the minds of the youths from crime.

“Whoever has interest for the future must support this programme. For the organizers, the Olympic you talk about today started as a very small event like this and got to where it is presently as a global fiesta.

“for those who could read in between the lines, you are planting a very good seed for tomorrow, by supporting and getting involved in this tournament for Alimosho youths.  You must take this up from here.”

Mr. Odegbami of HEDA and Stanley Ihedigbo

In his opening remarks, the Director-General,  St Bishops Communication, the organizers of the tournament,  Stanley  Ihedigbo, said the event is aimed at taking the attention of the youths off crime and channel their energies to sports.

He further stated that the coming together of students  from various schools in Alimosho, to participate  In this event for kids and youths between the ages of 13 to 15 years has really afforded them opportunity to build a network that would help them positively cross fertilize each other.

“The pupils that are here today who have listened to the various lectures ranging from the need to speak out when raped, to war on corruption, drug abuse, the importance of education, and others, have no doubt distinguished themselves as ambassadors.

“They would take the message down to their various schools and other social circles they belong to, outside their schools. As such, we will not relent. God on our side, we will not let this light go dim. We call on corporate organizations and philanthropists to come and help us build this vision,” he said

In his lecture on the Dangers of Cultism  and Drug Abuse in the life of a Youth, a Methodist Lay Preacher, Brother Nwachukwu Igbokwe admonished the youths to desist from cultism and drug abuse regardless of the guise it comes.

“No matter what its called, no matter what they mix up for you to take in whatever name or guise, be it tramadol or what have you, dont involve in it.

“Your future will get brighter without involving in drugs. With drug abuse, you will end in the grave, in prison, you may become social miscreant or even run mad,” he said.

A teacher from Muslim Junior  College Egbe, Dosunmu Owolabi while Speaking on; Education as a key to Fulfilled life, maintained  that education  is power, that regardless of the talent one is endowed with, education is important.

He posited that life without education  is but a painted sepulchre, whether talented as a footballer, fashion designer or any other skill, there is need for education to give one an edge in a global competitive market of today.

Owolabi called on the youths not to be discouraged in their pursuit for education, looking at the trend today that has made it looks like wealth without education is the order of the day, he cautioned that its only a phase and ephemeral.

He commended the organizers of the tournament to keep it up, stressing that programme like this no doubt equips the youths for the future and help bring out the talents in them. He expressed optimism that his school would carry the day.

Preshfaith College team

In her words, the Vice- President Preshfaith Education Centre, Captain Ugochi Leonard expressed her delight for the sporting activities which according to her are unifying force to the pupils who have come from various schools in the area.

Leonard who was represented by the Head teacher of  Preshfaith College, Mrs Nze Felicita stated that sports helps one especially the youths to develop mentally, physically and emotionally. She reminded them that most  prominent names in football today all started like this, the future is great for them.

“Am happy seeing the future leaders coming to compete. It no doubt, helps to build them mentally, physically and emotionally.this has brought the youths from all other schools together.

Solon College on victory parade

“The prominent names in football today all started like this, the future is great for them.
The performance of the females here today has  shown they’re really on track. In no distant time, they will take over the sporting world,” she said.

Some of the students that spoke with nation update Sports thanked their various school management for providing them this wonderful opportunity which they have yawned for over time.

Yusuf Misira called on parents and schools to give them opportunity to participate in sporting activities like this to enable them build thier talents.

Bolaji mosuro, of  Muslim Junior college Egbe, said this is the first time they are getting involved in tournaments like this, she stated that given opportunity, they can go places and win laurels looking at the superlative performance some of them put up especially her team.

“This is our first time to participate in this kind of tournament, i feel good, we need more of this tournaments that will afford us opportunity to compete with others, I thank the organizers,” she said.

At the opening match, on Monday,in the female category, Muslim College Egbe defeated Fun World International College ( 2 -0) all goals scored in full time.

Funword College team

The second match, the male category was also between Muslim College Egbe and Fun World International College  which saw Fun world carry the  day through penalty after full time on the scorelines of (4-5).

The keenly contested match between Solon College and  Presfaith ended in (2-1) in favour of Solon College.No doubt, the two sides exhibited superlative talents.

In the other matches slated, victory was awarded to Jane Pillar Secondary School against  Latmos College, victory was also awarded to Ceven Secondary School over Ikotun Technical College as they were walked–over for non appearance.

The final matches slated for Friday 20th March has been put on hold, as requested for by the concerned schools. The organizers have promised to make the new date known as soon as its fixed.