Chairman, Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Debo Oshundun, has said his association decided to join White Collar Football League (WCFL) because the outfit has similar passion for grassroots football development to SWAN.

Lagos SWAN and WCFL last week signed an agreement that will see them collaborating in grassroots and other youth development projects for an initial one year.

Speaking on the agreement, Oshundun, Chairman, described WCFL as a platform for sustainable development, poverty alleviation and economy booster.

“We acknowledge that we cannot single-handedly solve all Nigeria’s challenges. We firmly believe in the power of collective action. Just as little drops make the mighty ocean, our collective efforts, no matter how small, can contribute to significant changes.

“We firmly believe that the changes we aspire to see in our communities must start with us,” Oshundun said.

Also speaking on the project, WCFL CEO, Dave Jones, said the partnership is enshrined in the transformation of lives and communities in Lagos State.

He said leveraging the platform of corporate football to raise funds for high-impact charity initiatives will provide a pathway for the youth of Ajegunle, where the pilot programme will begin, an opportunity to realise their potential.

“Today, as we forge a strategic alliance with Lagos SWAN, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability and progress. Together, we will keep our stakeholders informed and engaged, ensuring that our collective efforts yield meaningful results.”

The creative idea of combining football and community development was lauded by His Royal Majesty, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Amodu-Tijani Oluwa, Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, who is also chairman, Board of Trustees of the White Collar Football League.

The royal father said that there is a need for more creative ideas in addressing peculiar challenges in our communities while lauding the partnership for its potential to offer youths opportunity to hone their football skills.

He thanked Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Football Association LSFA) and the Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council for their support to the project.

To chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Council, Fatai Ayoola, the partnership between SWAN and WCFL heralds a new era in grassroots football development in Lagos State.

The WCFL is a five-a-side football championship for corporate industry workers from across Nigeria.
The tournament not only allows players to display their skills, but also helps to foster camaraderie and spirited competition among participants.