Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Senate President and ex-Governor of Kwara State, has been celebrated as a youth-friendly and visionary leader dedicated to creating platforms that empower young people.
This accolade was given by High Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Director of Football at ABS FC Ilorin, during the unveiling and official draw ceremony of the Waziri of Ilorin Football Tournament in Ilorin on Tuesday.
Chukwuemeka praised Saraki’s enduring legacy of youth empowerment through initiatives like the Kwara Football Academy, ABS Football Club, the International Aviation College, Songa Farms, the ABS Foundation, and Kwara State University.
He urged youths in Kwara and across Nigeria to leverage these opportunities to build successful futures.
“Dr. Saraki is not just a youth-friendly leader; he embodies success. Anyone who associates with him associates with progress,” Chukwuemeka said, emphasizing Saraki’s focus on fostering youth development in sports and other sectors.
Highlighting ABS FC’s achievements, Chukwuemeka noted that it is the only club in Nigeria with a nationwide scouting program, operating three tiers: the ABS FC professional team in the NNL, the ABS U19 team in the National Youth League, and the ABS FC/PTDP special talent development team. He promised that the tournament’s Most Valuable Player would be absorbed into ABS FC and announced that the team would donate a full set of jerseys to the tournament winners.
Dr. Saraki, represented at the event by Hon. Moshood Bakare, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, expressed his gratitude for the honor. Bakare performed the ceremonial kick-off, officially opening the tournament.
The grand finale is slated for December 19, 2024, aligning with Dr. Saraki’s birthday, further commemorating his contributions to youth empowerment and development as the Waziri of Ilorin.
The event has been hailed as a testament to Saraki’s enduring influence and commitment to youth-focused initiatives.
Source:Newkwara Media
