The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded plans to unveil the Chairman’s Football Cup this October, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expected to serve as Chief Host at the grand ceremony in Ikeja.
EpeInsights quotes the Local Organising Committee (LOC) as saying that the tournament is designed as a flagship youth empowerment project in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to harness grassroots football talent and channel it into national development.
Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Conference 57 and Co-Chairman of the LOC, explained that the competition will target under-20 players across all 57 local councils in Lagos State. With participation projected to exceed five million youths, the initiative is expected to drive talent discovery, reduce crime, and open career pathways in professional football.
“The Chairman’s Cup is strictly apolitical and focused on youth empowerment,” Olowa noted. “Beyond football, it will also encourage voter education by providing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration points at match venues.”
The grassroots-style tournament will begin at the ward level, with winners progressing through the councils until the grand finale.
Organisers say the project will be executed in collaboration with private sector partners and football governing bodies, including the Federal Government Football Agency and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, to ensure technical and professional support.
Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of APC Lagos, whose vision inspired the project, expressed confidence that the competition will “unite communities, empower young people, and showcase Lagos talent to the world.”
Hon. Adedola Jokomba, Secretary of APC Lagos, added that the Chairman’s Cup will not only empower the youth but also give them visibility on international platforms.
The official unveiling will take place at the APC Lagos State Secretariat in Acme, Ikeja, where party executives, lawmakers and dignitaries will join Governor Sanwo-Olu in flagging off what is expected to become a major fixture in Lagos grassroots sports development.
