Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday received the UEFA Champions League Trophy alongside its ambassador and former captain of Barcelona FC of Spain, Carles Puyol in Government House, Ikeja.
Puyol, a three-time Champions League winner, is in Nigeria on a three-day visit to lead the UEFA Champions League tour connecting with consumers and football lovers.
Governor Ambode, who was represented by the chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Kweku Tandoh, also received Nigerian football legend, Austin JayJay Okocha, who was part of the delegation.
Speaking while receiving the trophy, Ambode expressed excitement with the fact that the organisers of the tour considered Lagos as one of the states to visit, adding that the development was particularly gratifying more so that the synergy between sports and entertainment as well as tourism had been massively played up in the last four years.
The governor also lauded the contribution of Puyol and Okocha to the development of the round leather game in Nigeria and worldwide, saying they deserved to be appreciated and celebrated.
“I must say I am very pleased with the organisers of this Trophy Tour for deeming it fit to take the UEFA Champions League cup to Lagos. We are particularly excited because our administration has focused on the synergy between sports, tourism, entertainment and the arts, among others and the people can see the positive effects of our efforts in that regard.
“We are pleased to also welcome Barcelona FC and Champions League legend, Carles Puyol to Lagos, as well as our legend, JayJay Okocha to Lagos House. Many of us underrate this legend that we have and just yesterday, I understand Puyol had a very difficult time on the field of play in Uyo when JayJay had to give him a few tricks.
“Unfortunately, JayJay did not get to play for Barcelona; he would have lifted the Champions League but I must say we appreciate what Okocha has done for Nigerian football. If you have a player that is sometimes compared to Messi, Maradona and spoken about in the same breath, then we know we have a star in our midst and so I like to thank JayJay for his contribution to football,” Ambode said.
He said in order to ensure a successful trophy tour, the relevant security and government agencies have been contacted, assuring that all the activities lined-up as part of the tour would be hugely successful.
Borrut Bel thanked Ambode for warmly receiving the team, saying the Trophy Tour was specifically organised to bring the tournament closer to fans.
He said as part of the tour, there would be a road show from Maryland bus stop to Ikeja City Mall, among other activities.
Besides, he commended Governor Ambode for his well-though out policies and projects in all sectors and sections of the State, saying the governor deserved to be appreciated for also creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
JOSHUA BASSEY
