By Bolowotan, others emotional as Ikorodu honours Big Debo
It was an emotional moment for many as the late Debo Ogunade was honoured at the grand finale of the 12th edition
of the Gafaar Bolowotan Gold Cup on Sunday.
Debo Ogunade who before his death was a businessman, football enthusiast and proprietor of Destiny Boys Football club was given a minute silence before the commencement of the final match. This however left many teary as they mourned the demise of Mr. Ogunade who was also popularly known as Big Debo.
The Director General of Lagos States Sports Commission, Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan who is the sponsor of the competition couldn’t hold back tears as he paid his respect to the late Big Debo who was his close friend.
The Gafaar Bolowotan Gold Cup came to an end on Sunday, February 28 with F.A. Victory of Elepe defeating Unizee FC of Imota by 3 goals to 2.
The champions went home with a trophy, gold medals, and a cash prize of two hundred thousand naira while the runners up also got medals and a cash prize of N150,000.
TCCG also known as Omomajemu FC won the third place match and was equally rewarded with bronze medals and a cash prize of N100,000.
Earlier in the day, Aplace Football Club battered Ayomiposi FC by five unreplied goals in the U-17 competition organised in honour of the Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu, Sheik Seifudeen Ademoritan Olowooribi. The U-17 champions carted home the winner’s medals and cash prize of N100,000 while Ayomiposi got silver medals and N70,000. The third place team also went home with N50,000.
The sponsor of the competition, Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan reiterated his commitment to the growth of sports especially at the grassroots level while promising to do more not just in Ikorodu but across the state. He revealed that the Lagos State Sports Commission has a mandate from Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that kids are discovered early through sporting programs while also ensuring that they combine academics with these activities.
Why he couldn’t hide his sadness, Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan also paid glowing tributes to the late Ogunade whom he described as a selfless human who had a passion for the development of young people. He revealed that they go way back while stating that the sports community especially in Ikorodu has lost a rare gem.
The Gafaar Bolowotan Gold Cup and the Chief Imam cup had in attendance top dignitaries and political leaders from Ikorodu including the Sheik Seifudeen Ademoritan Olowooribi, the Chief Imam of Ikorodu who was the spiritual father at the event.
