By Akeem Busari
The organisers of the maiden edition of President Bola Tinubu U20 Unity football championship, Onengiye Elekima Foundation have come out to explain why they are using football as a tool to propagate their peace and unity agenda, in line with the avowed commitments of President Bola Tinubu towards engendering lasting peace, unity and progress ìn the country.
President and founder of the foundation, Comrade Onengiye Elekima, in a press statement explained that the forthcoming football championship would see male and female U20 football clubs from across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria, participate and battle for the grand prize money of N50 million.
He was quick however, to reiterate the drive behind the competition. According to the soft-spoken youth advocate, the competition is ostensibly targeted at giving the less privileged, the vulnerable and the seemingly maligned and particularly, the displaced members of the society, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to display their God-given talents.
“We’re very concerned about the lives of the less privileged and particularly, the people of the various IDP camps in the country,” he said.
“Nigeria is a very blessed nation in all of its ramifications and we believe there are millions of talented male and female youths in the villages, towns and even the IDP camps. The Onengiye Elekima Foundation, is set to seek them out and give them a lifetime opportunity to move out of the dark and become better persons by realising their dreams.
“And over several decades, football has become the most veritable tool for promotionbefore peace and unity in the world. We know the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to engendering peace and unity in the country, and particularly, his love and determination to ensure the Nigerian youths are empowered and encouraged to positively channel their unbridled energies to the betterment of the society. That is why we have keyed into his policies for the youths. And what better tool than football,” he asked rhetorically.
He further disclosed that registration for the competition is free and ongoing, as interested clubsides can visit the dedicated website to download and fill the forms for participation via www.onengiyeelekimafoundation.org.ng
