By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende and Dr. Osondu Ibegbu |
Dr. Osondu Martin Ibegbu, the Chairman Badagry Division Football Association (BDFA), has his people are not treated fairly in sports despite that Badagry Division has produced more football players than any other place in Nigeria.
He disclosed this on Saturday at the Badagry Division Football Association BDFA-RAK League Finals against Chekas Utd, held at the Nigerian French Language Village sports field in Ajara, Badagry, Lagos State, concluded on August 31, 2024.
Where Young Stars football club FC has warned the trophy and a cash amount of 500,000 against Chekas Utd with 2 goals to 0.
"This year's league has touched every community in Badagry as they were properly represented, and next year RAK league will be further expanded to encompass the children's league and RAK female league," Ibegbu said.
In an emotional tone Ibegbu said the Lagos State government has not treated Badagry Division well as it remains the only Division in the state with a stadium despite it huge contribution to football in the state and the nation at large.
"Badagry Division, among the five divisions that make up IBILE in Lagos State, has never been treated fairly when it comes to sport. Ikeja has more than one stadium, Epe has, and likewise, Lagos Island. There's none in Badagry Division from Custain to Seme Border. The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Youths, has not been fair to me, my people, and the people of Badagry entirely. It is not a mistake, and they can't tell me it's an oversight. They kept on building stadiums everywhere, and they can't even bring one to Badagry. How do they want us to develop?
"Badagry produces more players than any other division, more than anywhere in Nigeria. The same Badagry has Emmanuel Amunike, Samson Siasia, Victor Epeba, Ifanyin Unwaize, Henry Unwosu, Taribo West, Sunday Olise, and Ibrahim Olawale, we also had someone like Amalaka who played in Ajngbadi Okoko. Why can't they give us a stadium? Who has Ikeja and Epe produced in the football world?" he added
The event has been sponsored by Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the pioneer RAK Development Foundation, for the past six years. "It started as one simple tournament, but today we are impacting life's," Ogunlende said.
Mr. Ogunlende expressed satisfaction with the league’s as it continued to impact young athletes in the region. "The BDFA-RAK League is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for nurturing raw talent, offering valuable exposure, and charting a course for these players to achieve their dreams," he stated.
This year’s tournament showcased 67 teams, each demonstrating exceptional dedication and sportsmanship. In the under-15 category, 36 Lion secured a narrow 1-0 win over Ajao FA, while Legend FC outplayed AJ Young Talented with a 2-0 victory.
If we do the mathematics for group one and two, we have touched the lives of over 2000 youths, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent. I was doing it before office, I'm now doing it while I'm in office. I will do it after office. One of the teams that played here two years ago, Roro FC, is now playing for the state at the national level, and it's because we gave them this platform and they wan here.
Mr. Ogunlende emphasized that every participant is a winner, congratulating all the teams for their remarkable efforts. The BDFA-RAK League continues to be a significant initiative in Badagry, empowering young footballers to develop their skills and pursue their aspirations.
Mr. Ogunlende said he will like to see women in the next tournament, as a step towards gender equality and also involve more government officials in order to expose these youths to more opportunities.