LASG praises the organizers of the UNITECOL Cup and supports the expansion of university football development

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has commended the organizers of the UNITECOL Cup for their continued commitment to youth development, talent discovery and the growth of university sports in the state.

The recognition came during the second edition of the tournament, currently being held at the prestigious University of Lagos, where six higher institutions compete for football supremacy in a highly competitive collegiate environment.

According to the state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, the tournament has become a growing platform that effectively merges education and sports while promoting unity, discipline and healthy competition among students across Lagos State.

Last year’s edition was held at Yaba College of Technology, and the move to UNILAG this year further highlights the expanding vision and institutional support behind the competition.

He noted that the initiative reflects a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening youth participation through structured sports development, particularly football, which remains one of the most popular avenues for student-athlete progression in Nigeria.

“This year’s edition at the University of Lagos further reflects the growing vision of combining education and football to foster youth engagement, talent development, unity and healthy competition among students,” he stated.

He also expressed his willingness to collaborate with relevant ministries and stakeholders to expand the scope of the tournament, with plans to include all tertiary institutions across the state in future editions.

According to him, such an expansion will further deepen the development of grassroots football and create more opportunities for young athletes to transition to higher levels of competitive sport.

Beyond sports development, the platform was also used to encourage civic responsibility among young people, especially as the election season approaches. Students were urged to remain active, responsible and positively engaged in the democratic process.

He also commended the organizers, 54Footballx, led by Anyababa Ikem, for sustaining what has become a fast-growing university football initiative in Lagos.

“Congratulations to the organizers for sustaining this impactful initiative and I wish all participating teams success throughout the tournament,” he added.