The President of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) Dr. Nasiru Gawuna has announced a programme of activities for its 60th anniversary.
In a statement signed by Patrick Okpavuerhe, the National Secretary,
Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria said Gawuna described the celebration as a significant milestone to celebrate six decades of dedication to youth empowerment through sports.
The statement added “Founded in April 1965 by the late Erudite Journalist Mr. Tony Eke, Gawuna said YSFON has grown to establish branches in all 36 states and the FCT, thus pioneering initiatives that have shaped the landscape of youth development in Nigeria.”
He added that YSFON has been a trailblazer in organizing age-grade competitions, initiating this groundbreaking approach long before FIFA adopted it in 1977.
According to Gawuna, “We take pride in having produced majority of the brilliant players who led Nigeria to victory at the historic maiden FIFA Under-16 World Cup in China.
“As part of our commitment to nurturing young talents, we established the Soccer Academy in Calabar, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and Cross River State Government.
“Our initiatives include but are not limited to the Ramat Cup in honour of the late General Murtala R. Mohammed, the Oba of Benin Under-13 Boys and Under-18 Girls Soccer Tournament honouring Oba Erediuwa 11 and the Chief of Naval Staff Under-14 Boys Soccer Tournament.
“We also organized the YSFON President’s One Day Athletics Championship, which provided a platform for youths to showcase their talents.” said the statement.
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To commemorate this landmark anniversary, Gawuna announced that “we have constituted an Anniversary Committee chaired by Mr. Johnson Akinsehinwa who is the Vice President, North Central and FCT Chairperson of YSFON .
This committee , he explained, will spearhead the 60th anniversary activities and future initiatives.
Gawuna paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of YSFN and supporters, including the late Israel Adebajo of the defunct Stationery Stores Football Club fame, Dr. Garba Hamza, MKO Abiola, General Murtala Mohammed, Bolaji Oni, Mrs. Bolaji Kuforiji, Major General Joe Garba, Ibikunle Armstrong, former YSFON Presidents, Dokun Abidoye, Alhaji Tunde Ojulani, among others, whose contributions have been instrumental in YSFON’s progress.
He stated, ” As we celebrate this remarkable journey, we invite all stakeholders, sponsors, and supporters to join us in our ongoing mission to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes.
” Together, let us continue to build a brighter future for youth development in Nigeria.
“We celebrate 60 years of excellence and look forward to a future filled with promise and achievement.”
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
