By Emeagi Emeka Williams
One of the most patriotic Nigerian citizens currently resident in the Ward ‘K’ political subdivision of Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos state, Egobi Osagie Daniel, at the weekend, promoted unity and democratic principles by sponsoring a football contest for youths.
The football fiesta which drew the creme de la creme of that area brought youths with diverse political ideologies, from different ethnic cum religious backgrounds to intermingle on the field of play for gifts, laurels and rating.
The event which took place at a popular mini football pitch on 21 Road, Festac, created a great carnival atmosphere in the area as music and comedy entertainments accentuated the football extravaganza which Egobi, popularly known as EOD organised as a significant Corporate Social Responsibility stride to inculcate positive leadership direction and foster harmonious coexistence in that populous multilingual, religious and cultural enclave.
Apart from the enthusiastic youths who peacefully surged at this occasion, industry, political, religion and traditional leaders and interest groups all converged at the venue which used to strategically contribute to leadership and development.
The convener, EOD while entertaining questions from Timeswatch concerning the event revealed that apart from the unifying impact of the competition, the event was designed to sensitise the youths on the essence of actively participating in the politics that rules their world with a view to effecting desired changes through constitutional procedures, stressing that the EOD Initiative is a form of leadership crusade which has sustained political education and socialisation preparatory for meaningful youths intervention in the scheme of affairs.
“Although this event is not a gathering of politicians nor one designed at the instance of any leader, it has achieved love and unity, while also ensuring that the lesson of leadership is imparted for near and remote impacts.
” The EOD Initiative is non discriminatory and draws people of repute from all frontiers for the sake of fatherland, starting from Amuwo Odofin.
“We have endured to ensure that majority youths here get their voters cards. And our advocacy is so technical and powerful, with the capacity to go beyond rhetorics to provide guidelines and support requisite to accessing the PVCs without anyone tactically disenfranchising them.
” Amuwo Odofin is in dire need of quality leadership and the present crop of leaders at the council secretariat are oblivious of that fact, thus seeing the opportunities they are usurping as jamboree, and the youths, even all well meaning stakeholders frown at this, hence the steps to halt and end the ugly phenomenon”, he fired.
EOD used the moment to hail Hon.Olorunrinu Dipo, Ola Western, Oyetunde Olutayo, Prince Lanre Sanusi, describing them as quintessential leaders, mentors and ambassadors.
Alh.Wasiu Lawal an All Progressive Congress, APC stalwart in Ward K and the past Secretary to the Local Govt who was there to cheer the youths, contributed by lauding EOD and expressing satisfaction at what is being done by the initiative to build a better Amuwo Odofin, pointing that the present generation of leaders at the helms of affairs are not ruled by quality and integrity.
Amb.Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, Founder and President of the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa, CELCE-Africa, Comr Hamzat Abdulsalam and the General Manager, Jarabet, a sponsor and an innovative/most rewarding and promising contemporary betting company, were also on ground at the occasion.
