By Victor Okebunmi
Progress FC of Ogbomoso have emerged champion of Football Competition organised by Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board in partnership with Oyo State Football Association with the support of UNICEF and other stakeholders.
The football competition tagged “Kick to Keep Polio @ Zero” to promote Polio Immunization among men, ended in thrilling fashion, as Progress FC defeated New Starlets of Ibadan through penalty shootout in the final held at Ikolaba grammar school pavilion.
In her remarks, a UNICEF Behavioural Change Expert, Mrs. Aderonke Akinola–Akinwole, who emphasized the need for men to support their wives in the fight against polio, charged them to take an active role in their children’s health.
Also speaking, UNICEF’s Southwest Nigeria Programmes Manager, Muhammed Okorie, noted that the aim of the 24-team football competition was to promote men’s involvement in polio immunization.
Expressing happiness, captain of the victorious team, Progress FC, Saka Abdullahi, appreciated organizers of the competition and their efforts in curbing polio among children.
Progress FC of Ogbomoso Coach, Jimoh Yekini, who won the best coach of the competition, attributed their success to hard work, determination and consistency.
At the completion of the football competition that featured teams across six zones of Oyo state, awards were presented to outstanding players, teams, some notable individuals and organizations while some selected media organisations, including Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station and Pensioners 106.7FM, were awarded with “The Childhood Immunization Champion Award.”
Dignitaries present were Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal represented by Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abdulwaheed Adelabu, Chairman, Oyo FA, Oba James Odeniran and General Manager, Pensioners FM, Dr. Bababtunde Tiamiyu.
