Football enthusiasts and who is who in various fields of endeavour gathered at the weekend inside the popular Turf Arena soccer pitch Abuja to witness the official inauguration of Alice Akinola Gold Foundation.
In commemoration of the Foundation’s launch, tagged “Incentive for the future” which its founder, Engr. Michael Akinola instituted, in memory of his late mother, Mama Wuraola Alice Akinolo, a high-pitch friendly match took place between Alice Akinola FC and Seat of God FC.
The game ended 1-1, with the later scoring first before the former equalised to the superlative cheering of many distinguished personalities including the National President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin.
Delivering his inaugural speech, President, Seat of God FC, His Lordship Bishop Ademola Tinuoye, who commended the initiative described the late matriarch as one who lived an enviable life worthy of emulation.
He said, “Mama lived and she lived well for posterity- evidence and testimony of our gathering this day. It is not about celebration but lessons for and against our own tomorrow. What would be said about us, individually and collectively? Good or bad, time will tell.
“Mama like Apostle Paul ( 1Cor 3:10) has laid a good and enviable foundation, we are consciously, subconsciously or unconsciously building on the Foundation- if what we build is good, bad or ugly – time will tell.”
He then appealed to individuals and corporate bodies to key into the project to make it memorable.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Ibrahim Peter Alih, said the Foundation signposts positive vibe in setting long-lasting memory for generations now and those ahead.
“I will proudly state that Alice Akinola Gold foundation is in forefront as one of the organisations that is assisting youths to stay away from trouble by being gainfully involved in sports.
“As we witness the unfolding drama on the pitch, let us not only revel in the excitement but also recognise the lessons embedded within this beautiful game. Let us carry the spirit of this competition beyond these moments and into our lives, fueling our drive to create a future where every individual is empowered to reach their full potential,” he said.
In their sperate remarks, Special Guest of Honour Amb. Akinremi Bolaji and President Alice Akinola Gold Foundation Dr. Francis Ojo remarked that with Sports, the Foundation has paved the way for all encompasses inclusiveness in Nigeria.
The Foundation Founder and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Akinola who later donated cash N500, 000 cash incentive to each of the teams appealed for collaborative efforts by all in order to make the dream a reality.
Engr. Akinola also noted that his late mother had been in the vanguard of putting smiles on people’s faces while alive through numerous philanthropic gestures.
T-shirts and other valuable souvenirs were distributed to the dignitaries and those present at the ceremony.