1xCup Trophy tour to The Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa

The 1xCup Trophy Tour on Thursday visited the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, who pledged his support for the grassroots football initiative and commended its contribution to youth development across Lagos State.

The visit marked the second stop of the trophy tour ahead of this year’s edition of the 1xCup tournament, with members of the organising committee presenting the tournament trophy, a gift box, and a signed football to the chairman.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. J.J. Akanji introduced the delegation and thanked Obasa for receiving the team despite his busy schedule.

“We appreciate the Chairman for making out time to host us despite his demanding schedule. His support for youth and sports development in Agege has been remarkable, and we are delighted to have him as part of this journey,” Akanji said.

Ms. Geraldine, speaking on behalf of 1xBet, commended the local government chairman for his commitment to grassroots sports and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to investing in Nigerian youths through sporting initiatives.

“We appreciate the Chairman for his unwavering support for grassroots sports development,” she said.

“As a brand, 1xBet will continue to invest in the growth and development of Nigerians at all levels. However, the support and partnership of government institutions remain critical if we are to achieve our collective goals for youth empowerment and sports development.”

Also speaking, 1xCup General Manager, Mr. Dimeji Adedapo highlighted the impact the tournament has made on young people who have participated in previous editions, expressing optimism that this year’s competition would create even greater opportunities.

“1xCup has positively impacted the lives of many young people over the years,” Adedapo said.

“The competition has provided a platform for talents to emerge and for youths to engage in productive activities. We are hopeful that this year’s edition will achieve even greater success and make a bigger impact on communities.”

Responding, Obasa praised 1xBet and the 1xCup organising committee for their commitment to youth engagement through sports, noting that he had followed the tournament since its inception.

“I have known about this competition since it started, and I must commend 1xBet and the organisers for the tremendous work they are doing in impacting and engaging our youths,” he said.

The council chairman described sports as a major pillar of his administration’s youth development strategy, adding that his passion for sports predates his entry into politics.

“Sports has always been an important tool for engaging young people in Agege. I have loved sports even before becoming chairman, and since assuming office, my administration has remained committed to sports development within the local government and across Lagos State,” Obasa said.

He noted that he is actively involved in the Obasa Cup initiative and also serves as chairman of the recently inaugurated Lagos State mini competition scheduled to hold later this year.

Obasa further expressed hope that his club Vinod FC would feature in this year’s 1xCup tournament after missing out on the previous edition.

“Hopefully, Vinod FC will participate in this year’s competition because we could not make it last year,” he said.

The chairman pledged his continued support for the tournament and confirmed that he would attend the final as well as other activities whenever invited by the organisers.

“I will be available on the final day and on any other occasion you invite me to come and kick the ball with the young people,” he added.

The visit concluded with the presentation of the 1xCup trophy, a gift box, and a signed football, which was personally handed to the chairman by former Super Eagles star, Alhaji Waheed Akanni.

The trophy tour is aimed at strengthening community engagement and building support for grassroots football development ahead of this year’s competition.