Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos youth commissioner, says grassroots football development remains the strongest pathway to professional success and community development.

Mr Ogunlende said this in an interview on Friday in Lagos. He said investment in grassroots sports was an investment in dreams, careers, economic opportunities and the future of communities.

According to him, the sixth edition of the Badagry Development Football Association (BDFA), in conjunction with the Real Act of Kindness (RAK) League, marks another milestone in youth empowerment and grassroots sports development.

“Six years ago, the BDFA-RAK League began as a modest football tournament involving just eight teams in Badagry. Today, it has grown into one of the largest grassroots football competitions in Lagos state.

“This year’s edition features more than 40 football clubs drawn from the entire Badagry Division, covering all 13 local governments and local council development areas. This remarkable growth reflects the abundance of football talent within our communities and our collective determination to create opportunities for young people to excel,” he said.

The commissioner said the league was established to discover and nurture football talents while promoting youth engagement, social inclusion and community development through sports.

According to him, beyond competition, the league has continued to instil discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership and healthy rivalry among young people.

Mr Ogunlende said one of the league’s notable achievements was its deliberate commitment to gender equality in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).

He said the inclusion of the female category had provided young girls with equal opportunities to pursue careers in football and showcase their talents.

“Today, the female division has become an integral part of the competition, proving that when given equal opportunities, women and girls can compete, excel and inspire future generations. This reflects our belief that sports development must be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of gender,” he said.

Mr Ogunlende said the league had produced several outstanding football talents who had progressed to national and international levels. He said Solomon Agbalaka now plays for FC Sochi in Russia, while Olawonyi Ibrahim has continued his professional career in Turkey.

According to him, coaches Olusoji Sunday and Sheriff Tijani have advanced to manage clubs in the Nigeria National League. Mr Frank has secured a coaching role with Ikorodu City FC.

He added that referees Ashade Senami, Olarenwaju Clement and Ese Williams had also progressed to officiate in Nigeria’s national leagues.

Mr Ogunlende said the achievements demonstrated that sports remained an effective platform for tackling youth unemployment, reducing social vices, promoting healthy living and fostering peaceful coexistence.

He, however, said that sustaining the league’s growth would require stronger collaboration and increased investment, despite the continued support of the RAK Development Foundation.

The commissioner urged the BDFA leadership to leverage the league’s success in attracting corporate sponsorship from local and international organisations.

“With its scale, credibility, reach and measurable impact, the league has become a marketable sporting brand capable of attracting reputable corporate partners, development agencies and football investors.

“The responsibility now lies with the BDFA to strategically showcase the league’s achievements, growing fan base, contribution to youth development and impressive record of talent discovery to prospective sponsors,” he said.

Mr Ogunlende commended the BDFA, the organising committee, coaches, referees, volunteers, security agencies, community leaders, supporters and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the competition.

(NAN)