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Tag: Akinwunmi

  • Intellectual Property: FG’s policy review on course, says Akinwunmi

    Intellectual Property: FG’s policy review on course, says Akinwunmi

    The chairman of the Business Assets and Intellectual Property Valuation Professional Association within the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Olalekan Akinwunmi, has lauded the federal government’s move to review its policy on intellectual property.

    Speaking to The Nation recently, Akinwunmi expressed that aligning Nigeria’s intellectual property sector with global standards was long overdue.

    He emphasised that an effective intellectual property policy serves as a crucial framework for operations within the IP domain.

    Akinwunmi highlighted that IP valuation plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of any IP policy, facilitating desired economic benefits for all stakeholders involved.

    The government through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment had in a few weeks inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee that will review the Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy Draft for Nigeria.

    At the Inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, the Minister, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the committee’s task is to review the draft policy and strategy, ensure it aligns with global best practices and addresses Nigeria’s unique needs.

    Uzoka-Anite, who will also serve as the chairman of the inter-ministerial committee, emphasized the importance of intellectual property rights in driving innovation, economic growth, and societal progress.

    She charged the members to be diligent to shape the future of intellectual property rights in Nigeria and empower innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs to thrive globally.

    Akinwunmi, who hailed the development, said the nation needed to unlock its IP valuation to take business to enviable heights.

    Accordingly, he said that Nigeria can galvanise and rev the economy if the potential in the IP sectors is unearthed.

    The estate surveyor and valuer noted that the National Intellectual Property Policy (NIPP) was essential for national growth and development, and urged the members of the committee to give the assignment by the minister the attention it deserves.

    He added that the nation had come of age to make IP available for different transactions and strategic decision-making.

    “As for Intangible Assets (IA), the universal set of IP value growth in the organization, in 2020 is 90% of the business assets value according to Ocean Tomo.

    “IP valuation is crucial in achieving fair value of the economic value and benefits of IP, especially in commercializing IP.

    Read Also: Akinwunmi counts gains of charity tourney

    He called for a paradigm shift in IP valuation.

    “Let us unlock IP valuation to propel the business to new heights in realising the impact on our National GDP.

    “Knowing the value of IP makes the market and transaction transparent and encourages market players to adopt various uses to meet their needs.

    “It will encourage more research and development knowing well their right is protected and valuable, with a lot of mechanisms to checkmate any infringement.

    Akinwunmmi added that: “You can only manage what you can measure”.

  • Akinwunmi praised for sustaining annual charity tourney

    Akinwunmi praised for sustaining annual charity tourney

    Former 1st  Vice President of the Nigeria Football  Federation (NFF),  Barrister  Seyi Akinwunmi, has been lauded  for sustaining his annual  charity tournament after  the 10th edition took place at the weekend at the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle.

    Four Football Association chairmen, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun, who graced the occasion described the tournament as one of the best to have happened to youths around the country.

    The Lagos State FA chairman, Fouad Oki, while thanking his predecessor, Akinwunmi, for his vision for kids under the ages of 13 and 15, said the sustainability of the tournament over 10 years showed the commitment of the SACF chairman to continue to develop football.

    In his own words, Ganiyu Majekodunmi of Ogun State said Akinwunmi already proved over the years of his love for football growth from the very tender age.

    Also present at the tournament which saw 24 teams competing in both the U-13 and U-15 for both boys and girls were His Highness Oba James Odeniran and Sola Fanawopo, both of Oyo and Osun FA respectively.

    Read Also: SACT 2023: Akinwunmi relishes giving hope to kids

    Akinwunmi said he was grateful to God for allowing the tournament to grow from what it was when it all started 10 years ago.

    “I want to appreciate all people present, especially the state FA chairmen, I am so grateful,” he said. “Imagine I didn’t invite them, they never informed me of their coming, I just saw them coming in, it is an honour and I am not taking it for granted.

    “I am looking forward to more years, where I can sit in the background and see my children handling it year after year.

    “It is not just about the football or the food we are giving them, but at times, you can imagine what little things can change in the life of some of these kids. Some with a little grant of N25,000, they can return to school, that’s one of the essence of the competition.”

    He added: “Sometimes ago, we decided to take it round different zones in the country, but then COVID happened and we decided to restrict it to Lagos for now, there is need to go back to the initial plans soon.”

    In some of the finals played, Dazzle won both the U-13 and U-15 for boys, defeating Coffy and Ajegunle respectively while in n the U-15 girls’ final, Mushin beat Ikeja to emerge as the winner.

  • SACT 2023: Akinwunmi relishes giving hope to kids

    SACT 2023: Akinwunmi relishes giving hope to kids

    The 10th  edition of the Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Tournaments comes up on December 29th  at the Maracana field in Ajegunle and the brain behind the foundation is excited about the impact in the past years.

    Barrister Akinwunmi, the former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association and former 1st  Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation , said he was  always happy to put smiles on faces of children

    He narrated some of the feedbacks from the beneficiaries of the charity project

     “ I went to Ilorin a few weeks ago, a guardian of one of the children that attended the 2018 edition was telling me how the little we did at the foundation changed the life of the entire family, he thanked me for giving hope to their family through the grant given to their child which came at an opportune time. She told me that the child had since finished secondary school and was in University.

    Read Also: I plan to harness numerous underdeveloped sporting talents – Chanchangi

    “There are many testimonies not only from guardians and parents but from coaches. I once met a coach in Abuja who came up to me and said that his trip to Lagos for the tournament was the fillip he needed to get his career going and that he was now an assistant coach with a premier league team.”

    Akinwunmi said 20 teams will take part in the 2023 edition and all arrangements are in to gear to make it glorious in Ajegunle next week.

  • Maracana to host Akinwunmi charity tourney Dec. 29

    Maracana to host Akinwunmi charity tourney Dec. 29

    The annual Barrister  Seyi Akinwunmi (BSA) Charity Foundation mini Tournament has been slated to take place on December 29 at the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle.

    Over 400 school children from all parts of the country are expected to take part in the tournament aimed at putting smiles on the faces of young ones with potentials to be future leaders in the country.

    Every year, the Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation provides grants to school children from all the six geo-political zones of the country.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

    The organising committee of the event visited the Maracana Stadium on Saturday and after the tour of the venue, it was agreed that the 2023 edition of the SACMT must stage a successful football charity event at the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, involving 4 (four) male and female U-15 teams.

    Additionally, the foundation aims to feed 500 indigent children and raise money to provide at least N150,000 (one hundred and fifty thousand Naira) support to 20 (twenty) children from each of the 6 (six) Nigerian geographical zones.

    Mrs. Jumoke Akinwunmi at the meeting on Saturday emphasized that there should be deliberate effort to ensure the children coming for this edition had huge fun and the standard should be very high.

     “We should be intentional in our motives to ensure we give our best to the kids. We are giving out grants to some of them but the target is that those who will not get the grants should also have unforgettable experience along the line. This is important because putting smiles on their faces thrill Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi himself,” she said, even as organisers are perfecting plans for  the 2023 edition of the SACMT holding December 28 in Ajegunle.

  • Three arrested for impersonating INEC workers

    Three persons have been arrested by police impersonating officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ).

    Kaiyewu Folahan, Akintunde Ibukun and Azeez Kazeem were arrested in Somolu Lagos.

    Their arrest, according to police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), followed a complaint from the Deputy Director of INEC in Somolu Local Government Area, Mrs S.O. Akinwunmi on Tuesday.

    Mrs Akinwunmi, Oti said she informed the police that some persons at Shop no. 33, Aluta Plaza, Federal College of Education, Akoka, were impersonating INEC workers and recruiting ad-hoc staff.

    Oti said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Imohimi Edgal, directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Pedro Police Station to infiltrate the camp of the culprits with his undercover operatives.

    “The operatives did as directed, leading to the arrest of the suspects, namely: Kaiyewu Folahan, Akintunde Ibukun and Azeez Kazeem. The exhibits recovered from them included a laptop, 511 INEC Lagos Ad-hoc Recruitment Forms, already filled with passport photographs attached,” he said.

    The suspects, he said, were arraigned on Wednesday at the Chief Magistrate’s Court 2, Yaba, for conspiracy, impersonation, forgery, fraudulent act and unlawful possession of INEC materials.

    They were remanded in prison pending when they would meet their bail conditions.

    The case was adjourned till April 16.

  • Akinwunmi: Fayose’s deputy can succeed him

    Akinwunmi: Fayose’s deputy can succeed him

    Dickson Akinwumi is a former Private Secretary to the late Mrs. Hannah Dideolu Awolowo and the President of ‘Concerned Ekiti Professionals for Good Governance.’ In this interview with reporters in Ado- Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, he speaks on the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the governorship poll. Sunday Omoniyi was there.

    What is your assessment of the Fayose administration in the last three years?

    Since Ekiti State people chose Governor Ayodele Fayose to govern them right from his first tenure in 2003, I don’t think the people have regretted ever voting for him. In his first term in office, he was able to commence add and complete the dualisation of the township roads in the capital city of Ado Ekiti. It was obvious that his good works made it easy for him to be re-elected in 2014. Since then, he has surpassed the achievements of anybody, either military or civilian who had at one time of the other governed the state.  Fayose built the state-owned Fountain Hotel; dualised the Ado-Ikere Ekiti road; expanded the Ilawe Ekiti, Ijero Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti township roads and built the only computer village in Ado Ekiti. Even with the meagre resources, particularly its low internally generated revenue (IGR), Governor Fayose embarked on the construction of the ultra-modern Oba market in Ado Ekiti. This is a market that has about 400 shops, with a park that can contain so many cars. I want to also commend the governor for constructing a flyover from Fajuyi area of the town to ease the flow of traffic in the state capital. The government has also been able to empower many of the local artisans, by patronising them. The government’s efforts in the educational sector have also started yielding fruit, as the results of Ekiti students have greatly improved in both WAEC and NECO examinations. Fayose has also done well in the area of internal security, where this government made efforts to checkmate external forces from disturbing the peace of the state. In all of these, Governor Fayose still remains one of the most criticised governors in the country. He is also one of the very few that criticises the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Most times, this has made him incur the wrath of many Nigerians. He has constantly remained a vociferous critic of the Buhari-led government. In all of these, I think the government of Fayose needs to improve in areas such as agriculture, tourism, sports and IGR.

    What can we say about his critics?

    Those who criticise Fayose have done well. Their constant criticism has made him more popular; it spurs him to deliver more on the dividends of democracy. The constant criticism propels him to constantly be on his toes, in order to improve on the lots of the people. I must also state that some critics are sometimes sentimental, because they are not from the governor’s political party. Thus, some of the criticisms are politically motivated. In the midst of these criticisms, some of us still give kudos to both the critics and the criticised, because, if all are done without bias, it is still part of our democratic process.

    What is your take on Fayose’s endorsement of his deputy?

    Let me tell you, endorsement is part and parcel of our entire lives. In traditional setting, kingmakers have the right to endorse who becomes the next king in a town or kingdom. In a church, a sitting general overseer or the church’s parochial council or board of trustees has the right to endorse who becomes the next general overseer. In the corporate world, the founder of a company has the right to either nominate or endorse who becomes the next managing director of the company. Look, endorsement has been and will ever remain part of our democratic culture or corporate existence. Now back to the endorsement of Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, there is still a time for primary elections, which I believe will take place in April this year and I want to implore other aspirants to work very hard with the delegates who will vote during the primary. I have been involved in observing the politics of the state for a very long time. Let me inform you that a former governor, Chief Segun Oni, did not win the primary of the PDP. He came fourth in the primary held at Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti. Chief Yinka Akerele came first and Prof. Ojo came second, but the party leadership gave the ticket to Oni, after so much energy and time had been exerted in the selection or election process. Heaven did not fall then. Some of the bigwigs now aspiring to contest against Prof. Eleka were very senior or influential party members then. I can boldly tell you that Ambassador Dare Bejide, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who are now raising eyebrows towards the 2018 governorship primary election, either ignorantly or intentionally or covertly refused to raise eyebrows then. While I still believe that Governor Fayose has the right to endorse anyone he prefers as his successor, and Professor Eleka’s co-aspirants too have the moral rights to contest, I want to implore all of them to desist from acts that could ignite violence in the process. Ekiti State is for all of us and we must all join hands to put the state on the path of progress and development.

    Is the PDP ready for 2019?

    Nigerians voted for the APC in 2015 in order to bring about the promised change. As things are now, it is evident that Nigerians are not impressed with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and this is energising the PDP to make moves to regain power. The PDP as a party is getting set to regain the lost territories. The first step was the recently held national convention which produced Chief Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of the party. Though there were some grievances after the convention, it is normal in Nigerian democracy. It is a plus that the party held an open election and people campaigned, people voted and a winner emerged. The party has put a reconciliation body in place and the process is achieving results.

  • Akinwunmi: Fayose’s deputy can succeed him

    Akinwunmi: Fayose’s deputy can succeed him

    Dickson Akinwumi is a former Private Secretary to the late Mrs. Hannah Dideolu Awolowo and the President of ‘Concerned Ekiti Professionals for Good Governance.’ In this interview with reporters in Ado- Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, he speaks on the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the governorship poll. Sunday Omoniyi was there.

    What is your assessment of the Fayose administration in the last three years?

    Since Ekiti State people chose Governor Ayodele Fayose to govern them right from his first tenure in 2003, I don’t think the people have regretted ever voting for him. In his first term in office, he was able to commence add and complete the dualisation of the township roads in the capital city of Ado Ekiti. It was obvious that his good works made it easy for him to be re-elected in 2014. Since then, he has surpassed the achievements of anybody, either military or civilian who had at one time of the other governed the state.  Fayose built the state-owned Fountain Hotel; dualised the Ado-Ikere Ekiti road; expanded the Ilawe Ekiti, Ijero Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti township roads and built the only computer village in Ado Ekiti. Even with the meagre resources, particularly its low internally generated revenue (IGR), Governor Fayose embarked on the construction of the ultra-modern Oba market in Ado Ekiti. This is a market that has about 400 shops, with a park that can contain so many cars. I want to also commend the governor for constructing a flyover from Fajuyi area of the town to ease the flow of traffic in the state capital. The government has also been able to empower many of the local artisans, by patronising them. The government’s efforts in the educational sector have also started yielding fruit, as the results of Ekiti students have greatly improved in both WAEC and NECO examinations. Fayose has also done well in the area of internal security, where this government made efforts to checkmate external forces from disturbing the peace of the state. In all of these, Governor Fayose still remains one of the most criticised governors in the country. He is also one of the very few that criticises the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Most times, this has made him incur the wrath of many Nigerians. He has constantly remained a vociferous critic of the Buhari-led government. In all of these, I think the government of Fayose needs to improve in areas such as agriculture, tourism, sports and IGR.

    What can we say about his critics?

    Those who criticise Fayose have done well. Their constant criticism has made him more popular; it spurs him to deliver more on the dividends of democracy. The constant criticism propels him to constantly be on his toes, in order to improve on the lots of the people. I must also state that some critics are sometimes sentimental, because they are not from the governor’s political party. Thus, some of the criticisms are politically motivated. In the midst of these criticisms, some of us still give kudos to both the critics and the criticised, because, if all are done without bias, it is still part of our democratic process.

    What is your take on Fayose’s endorsement of his deputy?

    Let me tell you, endorsement is part and parcel of our entire lives. In traditional setting, kingmakers have the right to endorse who becomes the next king in a town or kingdom. In a church, a sitting general overseer or the church’s parochial council or board of trustees has the right to endorse who becomes the next general overseer. In the corporate world, the founder of a company has the right to either nominate or endorse who becomes the next managing director of the company. Look, endorsement has been and will ever remain part of our democratic culture or corporate existence. Now back to the endorsement of Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, there is still a time for primary elections, which I believe will take place in April this year and I want to implore other aspirants to work very hard with the delegates who will vote during the primary. I have been involved in observing the politics of the state for a very long time. Let me inform you that a former governor, Chief Segun Oni, did not win the primary of the PDP. He came fourth in the primary held at Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti. Chief Yinka Akerele came first and Prof. Ojo came second, but the party leadership gave the ticket to Oni, after so much energy and time had been exerted in the selection or election process. Heaven did not fall then. Some of the bigwigs now aspiring to contest against Prof. Eleka were very senior or influential party members then. I can boldly tell you that Ambassador Dare Bejide, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who are now raising eyebrows towards the 2018 governorship primary election, either ignorantly or intentionally or covertly refused to raise eyebrows then. While I still believe that Governor Fayose has the right to endorse anyone he prefers as his successor, and Professor Eleka’s co-aspirants too have the moral rights to contest, I want to implore all of them to desist from acts that could ignite violence in the process. Ekiti State is for all of us and we must all join hands to put the state on the path of progress and development.

    Is the PDP ready for 2019?

    Nigerians voted for the APC in 2015 in order to bring about the promised change. As things are now, it is evident that Nigerians are not impressed with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and this is energising the PDP to make moves to regain power. The PDP as a party is getting set to regain the lost territories. The first step was the recently held national convention which produced Chief Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of the party. Though there were some grievances after the convention, it is normal in Nigerian democracy. It is a plus that the party held an open election and people campaigned, people voted and a winner emerged. The party has put a reconciliation body in place and the process is achieving results.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Akinwunmi: A father’s wish

    Akinwunmi: A father’s wish

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s aide Idowu Ajanaku eulogies his principal’s commitment to the welfare of Lagosians and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN).

    When Pa Ambode  named his son, Akinwunmi, it was an expression of the wish that he  grows up to be a courageous, brave and bold individual. There is no doubt that the wish has come true. Akin in Yoruba nomenclature is used for a bold and courageous achiever. Governor Ambode has not disappointed Pa Ambode, nor has he disappointed Nigerians and the expert fisher of men, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. When Asiwaju identified Mr Akinwunmi Ambode as his choice for the governorship of Lagos State it was greeted with venomous criticism. True, he has not held any political office. He is not a politician. Yet Asiwaju Tinubu was able to see beyond this and transformed him from an Aspirant to the position of governor of Lagos state.

    There is no point over flogging his  achievement in the development of Lagos State since he assumed office. What is note worthy is the courage and boldness he has demonstrated by taking decisions that any other person would avoid. He did not allow sentiments and blackmail to deter him from doing what he believes is in the best interest of Lagosians. His ability to read and interpret the political barometer of Lagos State underscores his responsiveness to the aspirations of Lagosians. The projects he has embarked on in the last two years are appropriate and judicious.

    Ambode has shown that Lagosians can be provided with infrastrures that are comparable to what obtains in mordern cities of the western world. The aesthetic beauty of those structures is indicative of passion to renew Lagos.

    What strikes an observer like me is the quietness and humility he has exhibited. It seems that he has deliberately avoided advertising his achievement by himself. He has not allowed public adulation to detract him from his goals for Lagos state.

    I was at the occasion where Ogbeni Aregbesola described him as the Governor–General. I strongly believe it is prophetic. He has recently put on the mantle of integration of Western Nigeria, an idea which seems to be beggin for actualisation. The communique issued at the just concluded summit of Yoruba  is exciting and Ambode immediate response is to pledge investing positively to the actualisation of the Development Agenda for the Development of Western Nigeria ( DAWN).

    I salute Governor Ambode’s courage and determination to make Western Nigeria great again. I salute the foresight of the master fisher of talents that gave Lagos state and Western Nigeria this rare gift of a transformer. With Ambode it is certain that Eko sese bere ni.

  • Ifako-Ijaiye run-off: Akinwunmi to embark on reconciliation

    Ifako-Ijaiye run-off: Akinwunmi to embark on reconciliation

    THE winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary conducted at the weekend, Nurudeen Olaitan Akinwunmi, has pledged to close ranks with stakeholders to pave the way for the party to win the run-off election next month.

    The primary is for a run-off election in Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro Federal Constituency on December 3, to fill the vacant position created by the death of Dr. Elijah Adewale, who died in Abuja on July 20.

    Akinwunmi scored 219 of the 388 votes cast to defeat Adisa James Owolabi, who polled 166 votes. Three votes were declared invalid.

    Though Owolabi embraced his opponent after the declaration of the result, suggesting that he had no reservations about the election, the way he stormed out of the venue refusing to entertain further questions from reporters belied that gesture.

    Akinwunmi said he was not bothered, when his opponent dominated the ballot at the beginning of the counting exercise, because he knew it was going to be a keenly-contested election.

    Rasheed Makinde, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, hailed the exercise, saying the conduct of the primary met everyone’s expectations.

    He said: “Democracy is not a static concept; I rate what we have demonstrated here at Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro Federal Constituency as above average. It is practical democracy, where everyone freely cast their votes without hindrance.”

    According to the organisers, 12 persons initially indicated interest in the race, but only five bought forms.

    The two candidates, who participated in the primary, were the only ones cleared after the screening. A third aspirant, Adebayo Salvador, was disqualified at the last minute for undisclosed reasons.

    An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Bose Oluwatomisin, who monitored the primary, said the exercise was free and fair. She said: “It was free and fair and the atmosphere was peaceful. There is evidence of internal democracy; the election was rancour-free, but there is always room for improvement.”

    The exercise was relatively peaceful; a carnival-like atmosphere pervaded throughout the voting. It started at about 1.20pm with statutory delegates, after a long wait outside the complex.

    Afterwards, delegates from the seven wards in Ifako-Ijaiye and those from the seven wards in Ojokoro took turns to cast their ballot. Vote counting started at 3.15pm.

     

  • Akinwunmi: South -West forum for co-operation, not competition

    Akinwunmi: South -West forum for co-operation, not competition

    Abeokuta, the rocky capital of Ogun State was the centre for another genuine move to galvanise the development of Nigeria football from the grassroots, with the launching at the weekend of the South –West States Football Forum – a body that promptly emphasized that it was not in competition with any zone, but has been borne out of the compelling need to ensure co-operation among the States for the good of the Nigeria game.

    NFF President Amaju Pinnick and Deputy General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme attended the summit of the six States and applauded the move that will see the Football Associations in the zone collaborate and coalesce forces to have the best regional football co-operation in Nigeria, whereby football administration and delivery is beneficial not only to the youth playing it but to all stakeholders of the game.

    At a meeting with Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State on Friday morning, Chairman of the forum, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi (also the 1st Vice President of NFF), underscored the forum’s mission as a vehicle for the South –West States, a non –political association formed without prejudice to any other zone in the Federation, and constituted to transform football administration and hold regular tournaments by adopting international best practices.

    An excited Governor Amosun, a consummate athlete in his youth, immediately endorsed the forum, pledging to rally the other governors in the zone to support the forum’s noble objectives.

    “I must confess that I am indeed very happy to see the calibre of people that have come together to be part of this idea and work to enable the rapid development of football in the South –West. This is heartwarming, and I believe that if these people can sit inside one room, half of the problems of Nigeria football is solved,” he said.

    At the meeting with Governor Amosun and the summit proper were Akinwunmi (also chairman of Lagos FA), Hon. Akin Akinbobola (secretary), Alh. Ganiu Majekodunmi (chairman, Ogun FA), Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi (chairman, Osun FA), Mr. James Odeniran (chairman, Oyo FA), Ayodeji Desmond Alabi (chairman, Ekiti FA) and Dele Ologbese (vice chairman, Ondo FA).

    There were Chief Jonathan Ogufere (one -time president, WAFU), Chief Adegboye Onigbinde (former FIFA technical advisor), Chief Kashimawo Laloko (founder, Pepsi Football Academy), Mr. Fabio Lanipekun (former broadcast guru), Comrade Titus Adegbehingbe (former FIFA referee), Dr. Rafiu Oladipo (president-general, Nigeria Football Supporters Club) and Alh. Tade Azeez (president, Nigeria Referees Association).

    Also in attendance were former NFF Board Members Ayo Omidiran (also a notable women’s football sponsor and ranking member of the House of Representatives), Barr. Leye Adepoju, Mr. Deji Tinubu and Chief Segun Odegbami, as well as former Green Eagles’ ace Dr. Felix Owolabi, Hon. Bukola Olopade (former Commissioner for Sports, Ogun State), Mrs Sarah Jumoke Adebisi (vice president, NRA), Mr. Kunle Soname (Nigeria National League), Princess Ruth Olayinka (general manager, Ekiti United), Mr. Dotun Coker and Mr. Bisi Osunleye. Top journalists, coaches, referees and ex-players also came. Secretaries of the Football Associations in the six States were also in attendance.

    NFF President Pinnick eulogized the role that the South West played and still playing in the development of the Nigeria game, saying the zone has served as the launchpad in coaching, refereeing and administration.

    Speaker after speaker also appreciated the quality of football personnel in the zone, and endorsed the forum’s objectives: to put the South West zone in the front burner of football destinations in Nigeria; to synergize the football development programmes of the South West; to create a forum of convenience for South West States aimed at the development of young talents in the region; to facilitate the development of football administrators/referees/coachesand others in the zone through regular courses and workshops; to engender the establishment of world class football academies in Nigeria and; to bring back the glorious days of football in the South West zone.