The wife of the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ruth Fanwo, has launched the first-ever All Secondary Schools Female Football Tournament in Mopamuro Local Government Area (LGA).
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony held at Cruise Memorial College, Mopa, on Saturday, Mrs. Fanwo emphasized that the initiative aims to provide young girls with a platform to showcase their football talent and excel in the sport.
According to her, society must actively create opportunities that engage the girl child and steer them away from social vices. She assured the participants of her continued support, stating:
“We cannot continue to condemn our girls for making wrong choices when we fail to give them the platform to make the right ones. It is our collective responsibility as a society to empower the girl child and help them become the true light of our communities.”
She expressed confidence that the participating students would maximize the opportunity and use the tournament to announce their potential to the world. She also commended the organizers for their efforts in making the event a reality.
The opening match saw Government Special Science Secondary School, Mopa, secure a 1-0 victory over ECWA Secondary School, Mopa. The only goal of the match came from a well-taken free kick by a striker from Government Special Science Secondary School.
The tournament’s launch attracted a large audience, including the Executive Chairman of Mopamuro LGA, Hon. Ademola Bello, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Dada Joy Dalumo, the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Temitope Daniel, as well as serving and former government officials at both state and local levels. Enthusiastic spectators, including students, cheered the players throughout the match, celebrating with music and dancing.
As part of the tournament’s incentives, the winning team will receive a cash prize of ₦300,000, while the second and third-place teams will take home ₦200,000 and ₦100,000, respectively. Additionally, the highest goal scorer and the best goalkeeper of the tournament will each receive ₦100,000.
The tournament is expected to inspire more young girls in Mopamuro to embrace football and develop their skills in the sport.