Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Youths, and Social Development, has called on political office holders and philanthropists in the state to support grassroots sports initiatives. Ogunlende made this appeal during the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the Badagry Divisional Football Association/RAK League, which concluded on Saturday evening.
The event was sponsored by the RAK Development Foundation, a non-governmental organization founded by Ogunlende himself. The commissioner emphasized the importance of sporting events in providing opportunities for youth to showcase their talents.
“I encourage political office holders and philanthropists who are capable of hosting such events to take the initiative,” Ogunlende said. “Sporting events like this engage our youth, giving them the chance to showcase their talents.”
Ogunlende highlighted the significance of the digital era in promoting such events, noting that many attendees were recording and streaming the event live, allowing young talents to gain recognition beyond the local scene.
Expressing his excitement about the growth of sports in Badagry, particularly football, Ogunlende shared his pride in the tournament’s impact on the youth. “This is the sixth year we’ve organized this tournament, and it has grown significantly, touching the lives of over 2,000 individuals and giving them the chance to do what they love—sports,” he said. The event also featured performances by three musical artists, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Ogunlende reiterated his commitment to grassroots sports development, stating that he would continue supporting such initiatives even after leaving office. “The number of lives we’re impacting and the hope we’re giving these young people is something I never imagined,” he added.
One of the teams from the league has even advanced to the state level, achieving success on a higher platform, further illustrating the league’s effectiveness in nurturing talent.
Dr. Martins Osondu, Chairman of the Badagry Divisional Football Association (BDFA), praised this year’s edition as the best so far, with 67 football clubs participating, up from 45 the previous year. “We took the games to all communities in the division, ensuring widespread participation,” Osondu said. He also announced plans to introduce a female league in 2025, promising it would be as exciting as the men’s competition.
Osondu also called on the state government to build a stadium for the division, noting that despite Badagry’s long history of sporting activities, the area lacks a proper sports complex.
The tournament concluded with Young Stars FC defeating Chekas United FC to win the league. The champions received a trophy, medals, and a cash prize of N500,000, while Chekas United FC received N300,000 and medals for their second-place finish. Legend FC, which placed third, was awarded N200,000 and medals. Additionally, the best referee and the highest goal scorer were also recognized with medals.
