Wale JAGUN
-Hon. Agunbiade, Hon. Benson, Asipa Kaoli, Otunba Abiru, others also honour as patrons
The prestigious conferment of Grand Patron of the All Stars Football Organization, Ikorodu, on the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Aadewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, on Sunday, October 28, 2018, was the climax of the 30 years anniversary celebration of the football organization which comprises of ex-international and local players.
Also decorated as patrons of the organisation at the grand finale of the week-long activities marking the anniversary were Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Member, Federal House of Representatives, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, State Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos East Senatorial District, Otunba Olusegun Ganiyu Abiru, the Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Otunba Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman, Multi-Choice, Nigeria and Otunba Awomodu Anoko.
The event, which recorded impressive attendance, was held at the Ikorodu Town Hall.
Mr Lanre Olabinjo, President, All Stars Football Organization, Ikorodu, in his commemorative address, described the anniversary as celebration of initiative, deft footballing skills, selfless service and God’s favour.
“Today is indeed a great day. A day of the celebration of initiative; celebration of deft footballing skills; celebration of selfless service to our nation and celebration of God’s favour to us all”.
While narrating how the organization came into existence, Mr Olabinjo stated as part of its objectives fostering friendship among retired players.
“Thirty years ago, a handful of soccer players, who were just stepping out of active soccer playing careers, decided to come together under one umbrella. The move was aimed at fostering friendship and love between soccer players from different backgrounds.
“Some of them have passed on, while others were still with us till this day. Today, we celebrate those pathfinders. Today, we celebrate Ikorodu’s history of soccer prominence.
Olanbinjo stated that from about ten members that formed the body at inception, the organization has increased its strength to over 100 members.
“From the initial number of less than ten players who started the journey 30 years ago, membership of Ikorodu All Stars has grown beyond one hundred.
The President also commended his predecessors for setting a high standard and thanked the general members for supporting his administration.
“The journey has been rough and tough but God stood by us at all times. The gentlemen that have been running the affairs of this organization did fantastic jobs during their various tenures. They set high standard for me and my cabinet to catch up with. I am happy to say that with the support of the entire membership of Ikorodu All Stars, home and abroad, we have been able to weather the storm.
Alhaji Lukman Sonibare, the Chairman, 30th Anniversary Planning Committee, while speaking with THE IMPACT, said that the grand finale has brought to a glorious end the anniversary celebration which kicked-off with a special Church Service at the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Church, Ita-Elewa on Sunday, October 21, 2018.
Parts of the celebration’s activities also saw members of the organization visiting General Hospital Ikorodu and orphanage home where they made donation of gift items, paying homage to the palace of Ayangbure of Ikorodu, special Jumat prayer at Ikorodu Central Mosque and staging of a day football fiesta which witnessed the participation of football teams such as All Internationals, The Managers and Ikorodu All Stars Organization.
