THE Oba of Ijora Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire Ojora has advised youths to invest their energies into sporting activities that would bring glory to the country rather than indulging in venal practices like crime and violence.
Oba Ojora gave the advice in his palace while receiving, Master Sodiq Ayinde, one of the evictees from the on-going TV Soccer Reality Show, the Glo Soccer Academy.
He urged youths in the country to emulate their colleagues in the Soccer Academy by combining academics with sports rather than joining delinquent groups to wreak havoc on the society.
Oba Ojora commended Sodiq for bringing glory and honour to Ijoraland and urged the evictee not to be demoralised by his eviction from the academy, but to use the wealth of experience gathered to improve his dexterity in football.
Speaking in an interview, Sodiq, an SS 2 Student of Ifo Model Grammar School, Coker Village said he was happy to have been tutored by world-class coaches at the Academy, adding that his world view had changed from the ghetto mentality he had before going to the Academy.
“I need to work on my finishing as a striker. I also hope to play for Manchester United one day. I will not like to start my football career in Spain. I thank Globacom for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity given to young boys to showcase our skills. May God continue to bless the organisation,” Sodiq added.
Sodiq had a tumultuous welcome in his Olodi Apapa Community by scores of gaily dressed relatives, religious leaders and well wishers who thronged his residence.
Five players were evicted from Glo Soccer Academy during the third eviction exercise. Sixteen finalists will emerge at the end of the exercise and they will go on a training tour of the Manchester United Soccer Schools in Carrington, England, as well as, enjoy the G-Bam Scholarship of N750, 000 each as part of the prizes.
In addition, the Most Valuable Player will earn N5 million, while the remaining 15 will go home with N1 million each.