- Agency Report
Ladipo Johnson, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Lagos Central senatorial candidate, has raised concern over alleged persistent vandalisation of campaign billboards, banners and other materials belonging to opposition parties.
Johnson raised the concern at the grand finale of the Bamofin Ladipo Johnson Football Tournament Cup, held at Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos, on Sunday.
He alleged that the destruction of opposition campaign materials was undemocratic and a sign of intolerance towards political competition.
“APC campaign posters, banners and billboards are everywhere, but hardly will you see opposition parties’ campaign materials in the public space.
“This is an undemocratic and uncivil attitude that needs to be curtailed and stopped,” he said.
Johnson called on political parties and their supporters to respect the right of other parties to campaign freely.
He said that peaceful political participation was essential to credible elections.
He also urged Nigerians to vote according to their conscience in the forthcoming elections and ensure that their votes counted.
The senatorial candidate congratulated the winners of the third edition of the tournament.
He said that the competition was designed to encourage youths to develop their football talents alongside their educational pursuits.
“Football is a good career path that youths can venture into to earn a living.
“The youths are also encouraged to further their education to complement their chosen football career path,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fortune FC of Mushin won the male category of the tournament and received a cash prize of N750,000.
Sport Mataz of Oshodi won the female category and also received a cash prize of N750,000.
Mr Muyideen Bello, NDC Lagos Island Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, commended Johnson for organising the football tournament.
Bello said the competition provided an avenue for young people to showcase their talents and create opportunities for future careers.
“This is a talent-hunt opportunity for soccer lovers and a platform to identify young talents for future career development,” he said.
Mrs Fausat Jaji, NDC Woman Leader, advised the youths to pursue their careers with dedication and remain focused on their chosen fields.
She commended the senatorial candidate for organising the tournament, describing it as an opportunity to promote youth development through sports.
“I thank NDC candidate for organising this tournament for youths across the Lagos Central Senatorial District,” she said.
Earlier, Mr Adegboyega Abolarin, an NDC chieftain, urged Johnson to sustain the initiative and continue providing platforms for youths to discover and develop their talents.
He said that sustained investment in youth development through sports and education would help create opportunities for young people in the district. NAN
