Lagos youth commissioner launches new season of side Street Soccer after eight years

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Mobolaji Ogunlende at Surulere's Obele Odan Playing Ground

Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, provided a touch of grandeur by officially launching the new season of the Lagos 5-a-side Street Soccer Championship after an eight-year break. 

The thrilling event took place at Surulere's Obele Odan Playing Ground Youths Centre on Saturday.

The NBA Commissioner went on to say, "Kicking off this championship signifies not just a game but a journey towards empowering our youth, uniting communities, and fostering dreams."

"In an era when youth engagement reigns supreme, sports serves as the ideal avenue to harness the boundless energy and fervour of Lagos' vibrant young population," he remarked. "This vision is inextricably linked to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu's unflinching commitment, as articulated in the THEMES + lAgenda, to ensuring continuous youth participation across a range of disciplines."

The resurrection of the Lagos Street Soccer Championship has received an incredible reaction, with over 1,000 groups keen to participate. The championship's growth in scope, purpose, and possibilities attests to its emergence into a strong platform for developing football development in Lagos State, led by grassroots initiatives.

Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende offered deep gratitude to the organising committee, chaired by Bolaji Yusuf, and the Lagos Football Association, led by Fouad Oki. Their unshakable commitment and relentless efforts have been instrumental in revitalising grassroots football in the state.

Furthermore, Hon. Ogunlende reaffirmed the administration's commitment to supporting youth development through the use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). 

This collaborative method is a vital socioeconomic development tool, guaranteeing that the aims of youth participation and growth are not only accomplished, but exceeded.