The Onengiye Elekima Foundation, organisers of the President Bola Tinubu U-20 Unity Football Championship, has stated in clear terms that the tournament is designed to foster peace, unity, and social inclusion across Nigeria.
According to Onengiye Elekima, founder and president of the foundation, the maiden edition of the championship will feature male and female U-20 football clubs from all 774 local government areas competing for a grand prize of N50 million.
Speaking in a press statement, Elekima reiterated that the primary goal of the tournament is to uplift the less privileged, vulnerable groups, and displaced persons, providing them a platform to showcase their talents.
“We are very concerned about the lives of the less privileged, especially those in IDP camps. Nigeria is blessed with talented youths, even in the most remote villages. Our goal is to find and empower them, giving them an opportunity to achieve their dreams,” Elekima stated.
He further highlighted football as a proven tool for fostering peace and unity worldwide, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for youth empowerment and national cohesion.
“President Tinubu is committed to empowering Nigerian youths and ensuring their talents are channeled toward societal progress. We are aligning with his vision, and what better tool than football?” he remarked.
Elekima also announced that registration for the tournament is free and currently ongoing, urging interested clubs to visit the official website to download and submit their participation forms.
This initiative is expected to not only promote grassroots football but also create opportunities for young talents across Nigeria.
