YSFON celebrates 60 years of inspiring youths through sports
The Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has announced a programme of activities for its 60th anniversary.
A statement by Patrick Okpavuerhe, the YSFON National Secretary, said the President of YSFON, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, who made the announcement in Abuja said the event was a significant milestone to celebrate six decades of dedication to youth empowerment through sports.
Founded in April 1965 by the late Erudite Journalist MrTony Eke, Gawuna said, YSFON had grown to establish branches in all 36 states and the FCT, thus pioneering initiatives that had shaped the landscape of youth development in Nigeria.
According to the former Deputy Governor of Kano State,YSFON had been a trailblazer in organizing age-grade competitions, initiating this groundbreaking approach long before FIFA adopted it in 1977.
“We take pride in having produced majority of the brilliant players who led Nigeria to victory at the historic maiden FIFA Under-16 World Cup in China.
“As part of our commitment to nurturing young talents, we established the Soccer Academy in Calabar, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and Cross River State Government.
“Our initiatives include but not limited to the Ramat Cup in honour of the late General Murtala R. Mohammed, the Oba of Benin Under-13 Boys and Under-18 Girls Soccer Tournament honouring Oba Erediuwa 11 and the Chief of Naval Staff Under-14 Boys Soccer Tournament.
“We also organized the YSFON President’s One Day Athletics Championship, which provided a platform for youths to showcase their talents.
“We have constituted an Anniversary Committee chaired by Mr Johnson Akinsehinwa who is the Vice President, North Central and FCT Chairperson of YSFON,” he said.
The committee,Gawuna said, would spearhead the 60th anniversary activities and future initiatives.
He paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of YSFN and supporters, including the late Israel Adebajo of the defunct Stationery Stores Football Club fame, Dr Garba Hamza, MKO Abiola, late General Murtala Mohammed, Bolaji Oni.
Others were:Mrs. Bolaji Kuforiji, Major General Joe Garba, Ibikunle Armstrong, former YSFON Presidents, Dokun Abidoye, Alhaji Tunde Ojulani, among others, whose contributions have been instrumental in YSFON’s progress.
” As we celebrate this remarkable journey, we invite all stakeholders, sponsors, and supporters to join us in our ongoing mission to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes.
“Together, let us continue to build a brighter future for youth development in Nigeria.
“We celebrate 60 years of excellence and look forward to a future filled with promise and achievement,”the YSFON president added.
