Kanu, Ajilore Endorse Adedayo Benjamins –Laniyi Unity Tourney 

Olawale Ajimotokan  in Abuja

Chairman of Enyimba Football Club, Aba Nwankwo Kanu and a board member FCT FA, Femi Ajilore, have thrown their weights behind the Adedayo Benjamins–Laniyi Unity Championship that kicked off yesterday at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.

About 1,200 players, drawn from 80 teams from the six Area Councils of the FCT are  participating in the tournament.

While the former Super Eagles Captain Kanu was not in the stand during the opening ceremony, Ajilore, who was a member of the Flying Eagles team that won silver at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in The Netherlands in 2005 was among the dignitaries that graced the event.

In her remarks, the sponsor of the tournament, Mrs Benjamins-Laniyi urged youths in the territory to use sports to promote national unity and peace in all the Six Area Councils that constitute the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

According to her, sporting activities cement relationships within and outside one’s immediate environment.

She noted that although mobilising the young people across communities for the FCT football tournament was tough for her, she carried out the venture to contribute to the unity of the residents.

“The future of youths is hinged on the lifestyle they live, which will only be achieved through activities that will promote national cohesion. 

“We have initiated the unity championship tournament to bring together to FCT youths. Sports does not know tribe, religion and political affiliation. So the younger ones, who are the future leaders need to be given the desired attention. Where there is no unity, there would not be a nation where we can call our own,” she said.

On his part, the Director, FCT Sport Development, Mr Lukas Istifanus, commended the organiser for investing in the development of youths in sporting activities, especially at the grassroots level. 

He pledged the commitment of the FCT Administration to the promotion of sports development.