By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
Plans have been concluded by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), as the Ogun state chapter Chairman, Alhaji Waheed Kashimaawo Lawal has hinted that a national football tournament is in the pipeline to immortalize the late business mogul and pillar of sports in Africa, Bashorun MKO Abiola.
Lawal made the disclosure in Abeokuta while paying a visit to the Ogun State Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Dr Kehinde Oluwadare said like the Ramat Cup which is being held annually in the city of Kano in honour of the late Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Muritala Ramat Muhammed, MKO Abiola Cup will also be organized by Ogun YSFON in honour of late Bashorun MKO Abiola in the ancient city of Abeokuta Ogun State.
In his address at the visit held at the conference room of the ministry’s complex, located inside the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, the commissioner disclosed that the state government has big plans for any talented youth discovered through Sports in the State and not just to represent the State but to go ahead and represent the country in international events.
He however, advised the YSFON officials to submit their proposal to the government through the State’ Sports Council for proper action.
Ogun YSFON Chairman in a chat with newsmen, further eulogised the late Pillar of Sports in Africa, MKO Abiola saying apart from being the Pillar of Sports in the whole of Africa, Abiola also did a lot more for the development of Sports in Nigeria and Ogun State.
“Don’t forget that Abiola owned a football Club based in Abeokuta (Abiola Babes), he was the first club owner that increased his players’ salary by more than 200 per cent, and while defending his decision, he said footballers are like soldiers sent to the war who must be fully equipped and the only way to equip footballers is to give them more and more money.
“Abiola was also the first to give car loan to the footballers when the players of Abiola Babes in 1984 got cars and he was the first club owner to fly an injured player abroad for treatment, and above all, MKO Abiola was a Grand Patron of YSFON while alive, so Ogun YSFON has thought it wise to inaugurate an annual football tournament in his honour in order to immortalise him”, Lawal disclosed.
