Dr Badiru Apaokagi, coach of Team Apaokagi at the just-concluded fourth Play With Kwara Youths (PWKY) sports tournament, has expressed optimism about the platform’s potential to groom future leaders for the state.

Speaking during a dinner on Friday to celebrate his team’s performance, Apaokagi said that if the tournament maintains the same dedication and tempo, “it will become a significant avenue for nurturing leadership and professional excellence.”

Apaokagi, who was named Best Coach of the Tournament, attributed his team’s success to the dedication and commitment of the players.

He congratulated the team’s goalkeeper, Aiyelabegan Babatunde AbdulRasaq, and Rufai Ahmad, who were both inducted into the PWKY Hall of Fame.

“This platform is unique as it brings together professionals from diverse fields. I am optimistic that soon we will see individuals from this initiative holding high political and professional offices,” he stated.

Team Apaokagi’s captain, Nasif Sholagberu, commended the coach for his unwavering commitment and support.

He urged his teammates to continue supporting PWKY and recognized the visionary efforts of the tournament’s convener, Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan, for uniting Kwara youths through sports.

An elder of the team, Abdulqadir Abdulganiyu, encouraged participants to apply the lessons learned from PWKY in their daily lives, saying: “We cannot let politics, tribe, or religion divide us. Together, we will strive to make Kwara and Nigeria great with our unity of purpose.”

In his address, Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan reiterated the objectives of PWKY, which are to unite the youths through sports.

“If we can come together to have fun, we can also come together to help each other in our chosen careers,” he said.