By By Ogunmuyiwa Jelili
The contribution of the man in ensuring Lagos State has team(s) in the top tier of the Nigeria League can’t be ignored and not appreciated every time
2016 was the entrance of MFM football Club into the NPFL under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Enakhena a man I’ll always appreciate and respect in all ramifications. TOYIN GAFAAR-BOLOWOTAN had to let go his team playing in the second tier of the league to MFM FOOTBALL CLUB after critical analysis that with the church interest in sports generally, the hope of Lagos having a team in NPFL can be fulfilled and this paid off in 2016 NPFL season. This doesn’t just went like that without a rumour that TOYIN GAFAAR-BOLOWOTAN sold his team slot of then BOLOWOTAN FC, IKORODU to the church outfit but thanks to Mr. GODWIN ENAKHENA the then General Manager of MFM FC who made it clear to the world repeatedly that it was for free and of the sole believe of youth development, youth engagement, job opportunities that he left the slot for the church outfit. I won’t also failed to acknowledge the efforts of Alonge Akinlolu then to also help clear the situation on social media.
As that wasn’t enough, TOYIN GAFAAR-BOLOWOTAN continued his desires to promote the game, youth development, ensuring Lagos has NPFL team when as the Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission we have Sporting Lagos in the NPFL.
As the President of IKORODU CITY FC, the team again is now in the top tier of NPFL and to compete in the next season of Nigeria football leagues proposed to start in late August, 2024.
TOYIN GAFAAR-BOLOWOTAN while ensuring Lagos State remain boldly on the world sports map, he is also bent at promoting the good image of entire ikorodu Division as during his days in office as Lagos State Sports Commission Director General, the igbogbo stadium reconstruction came into effect and at 75% stage of completion before his term in office came to end in February, 2024.
Ikorodu City FC nicknamed “OGA BOYS” are in the news now as one of the teams to play in the top tier of the Nigeria Football leagues.
May the labour of heroes past and labour of present heroes not be in vain.
Thank you Gafaar Shakiru Oluwatoyin Gaso for your efforts.
More to be done.
