Centre
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, July 7, 2018 (NAN) Some ex-internationals in football on Saturday during a visit to the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State for creating viewing centres across the state.
They ex-internationals said that such facilities had afforded and would still afford more football fans the opportunities to watch the ongoing World Cup competition tagged `Russia 2018’.
The former ex-internationals: Taju Disu, Waheed Akanni and Friday Elaho made the remarks during a courtesy on the Executive Chairman of LSSC, Kweku Adedayo-Tandoh.
The officials of the LSSC led by its Director-General, Babatunde Bank-Anthony, led other members of the commission’s governing board to receive the ex-internationals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambode had some weeks back ordered the LSSC to create eight viewing centres across the state for the duration of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Tournament.
It would be recalled that the International Breweries PLC collaborated with LSSC for the sponsorship of the project.
The ex-internationals expressed their support for the continued sustenance of the viewing centres which they said would continue to be of immense benefits to the public.
The Executive Chairman of LSSC, Kweku Tandoh in his address, said that the governor would always honour ex-internationals for their sacrifice for the country and state.
“We will not forget all the sacrifices you had made on behalf of the country aimed at developing football,’’ he said.
One of the ex-internationals, Taju Disu, currently the Supervisor for Agriculture, Youth and Sports in Surulere Local Government, described the idea of establishing the viewing centres in the state as fantastic.
“I give kudos to the Lagos State Sports Commission for deeming it fit to facilitate this laudable project. Gov. Ambode has done well and has surpassed what people think he can do,’’ he said.
Also, another ex-international, Waheed Akanni; said he and other ex-internationals were privileged to be part of the programme: #mylagosmyfootball#.
He said that they were saddled with the responsibility of visiting the eight viewing centres to garner support for the Gov. Ambode-led administration in Lagos State.
Akanni also appreciated the governor for recognising the past contributions of ex-internationals toward the development of football in the state and the country.
Similarly, Friday Elaho said that the concept of the viewing centre was a welcome development for the ex-internationals who had played their parts in the past.
“I thank the governor for his enthusiasm toward sports’ development in the state. This is why you see all ex-internationals coming together to support the governor’s initiative,’’ he said. (NAN)
KOJE/ACO/PAD
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Edited by Abiodun Oluleye/Peter Dada