Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has described grassroots football as a vital foundation for developing professional players and promoting community growth.
Speaking in an interview in Lagos on Friday, Ogunlende said investing in grassroots sports goes beyond football, as it creates opportunities, builds careers, supports economic growth and gives young people a platform to achieve their ambitions.
He made the remarks while highlighting the impact of the sixth edition of the Badagry Development Football Association (BDFA) in partnership with the Real Act of Kindness (RAK) League, describing the competition as a major achievement in youth empowerment and sports development.
The commissioner recalled that the BDFA-RAK League started six years ago as a small tournament featuring only eight teams in Badagry but has since expanded into one of Lagos State’s biggest grassroots football competitions.
According to him, the latest edition has attracted more than 40 clubs from across the Badagry Division, representing all 13 local government areas and local council development areas in the region.
He said the growth of the tournament reflects the wealth of football talent in local communities and the commitment of stakeholders to provide young athletes with opportunities to succeed.
Ogunlende explained that the league was created not only to identify and develop football talents but also to encourage youth participation, social inclusion and community development through sports.
He noted that the competition has helped young people develop important values such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience and positive competition.
The commissioner also highlighted the league’s focus on gender inclusion, saying the introduction of the female category aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
He said the women’s division has given young female footballers the chance to pursue their dreams and demonstrate their abilities on an equal platform.
Ogunlende revealed that the competition has produced players and sports professionals who have gone on to achieve success at national and international levels.
He cited Solomon Agbalaka, who currently plays for FC Sochi in Russia, and Olawonyi Ibrahim, who continues his professional career in Turkey, as examples of talents discovered through such platforms.
He added that coaches including Olusoji Sunday and Sheriff Tijani have progressed to roles within the Nigeria National League, while Frank has joined the coaching team of Ikorodu City FC.
The commissioner also mentioned that referees Ashade Senami, Olarenwaju Clement and Ese Williams have advanced to officiating roles in Nigeria’s national leagues.
According to him, the success of the league proves that sports can help address youth unemployment, discourage social vices, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen peaceful relationships within communities.
However, he stressed that sustaining the competition’s progress would require greater investment and stronger partnerships, despite the continued backing from the RAK Development Foundation.
Ogunlende encouraged the BDFA leadership to attract more corporate sponsors by promoting the league’s achievements, growing audience and contribution to youth development.
He said the competition had developed into a credible sporting brand with the potential to attract support from businesses, development organisations and football investors.
The commissioner praised the organisers, coaches, referees, volunteers, security agencies, community leaders, supporters and other stakeholders for their roles in making the tournament successful.
(NAN)