Ambode splashes N50m on MFM FC, promises to make Agege Stadium ready for Africa

Lagos Games Village Commence In 2018

Players and officials of MFM Football Club yesterday had enough reasons to sing songs of joy and praise God for the good things that have happened to them in recent times.

Their joy knew no bounds when they were not only received by the Lagos State government at Government House, but also got N50 million from Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, for making the state proud last season.

The team were at Alausa on the behest of Ambode, who hosted them for talking the state back to the prestigious CAF Champions League 16 years after a team from the state participated in the tournament.

Speaking yesterday while receiving the club alongside some top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as well as some ex-internationals, Governor Ambode said it was gratifying that a team from the state would participate in the 2018 edition of the continental tournament after such a long time, just as he pledged to assist the team with the necessary support to ensure successful campaign at the championship.

Congratulating the team for the feat, Governor Ambode particularly acknowledged the vision of MFM General Overseer, Pastor Kayode Olukoya, who founded the team 10 years ago, saying that the state government was proud to associate with his idea of meaningfully engaging the youths to contribute positively to the society.

Responding to some requests by the MFM FC, Governor Ambode donated N25 milion to the footballers and officials of the club for qualifying for the CAF Champions League and another N25 million to ensure hitch-free campaign, as well as adequately prepare for the tournament.

Already, the Governor said the State Sports Commission had been directed to ensure that the Agege Stadium, which is the home-ground of MFM FC, be put in good shape to meet up with the CAF standard before inspection in December.

He recalled the promise he made to the people during electioneering to use tourism, hospitality, entertainment and arts as well as sports for excellence, Governor Ambode said: “We need sports to use it as an instrument to build the economy of Lagos and also direct the energy of our younger ones to things that are very positive as exemplified by what is happening today. Beyond football, they continue to use it for their own mental ability to be able to be proud future leaders in this country and that is what we are trying to say.