The Executive Chairman, Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area Hon. (Dr) Funmilayo Akande-Muhammed was on Monday inducted as a Patron of Team Nigeria for the Homeless World Cup.
The induction was in recognition and appreciation of the excellent performance of the executive chairman in the area of sport and youth development.
Team Nigeria Director, Mr. Yomi Kuku described the executive chairman as an excellent leader who exudes positivity, confidence and inspiration within her hemisphere.
“Hon. Funmilayo is not just an astute politician but also a compassionate mother who goes after the betterment of her precinct.
“We found in her a passionate leader who is committed to the development of grassroots football and in the same vein using sport as a social tool to promote unity in a cosmopolitan community like Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.”
As someone who grew up within this neighborhood, I understand the unity, livelihood and career path offered by football and it’s only fitting to appoint a top personality of Hon. (Dr.) Fumilayo Akande-Muhammed caliber understands these core principles as Team Nigeria for the Homeless World Cup.
In her acceptance speech, Hon. Funmilayo expressed her desire to continue using sports, particularly grassroots football, to push for positive social change within her Area Council.
“Orile Iganmu is blessed with abundant talents in all spheres of life including young and talented footballers who are aiming to niche career paths through it.
“We are committed to providing support within our means to help youthful and talented footballers and sport athletes in general within our Area council in achieving their goals.
“We must consciously create an enabling environment for people to thrive and excel in their chosen careers including football which over time as helped to keep so many youths off the streets some of which have become a National heroes and gained international prominence.
“Having looked at the core value of Team Nigeria for the Homeless Football, I am proud to be identified as a Patron of the organisation.
The Homeless World Cup is an annual street soccer event that brings together homeless people from across the world to participate in a football tournament that seeks to promote social inclusion and empowerment.
The 2023 edition of the Homeless World Cup will be held in Sacramento, California in July with 70 countries in attendance.
