The Mayoress Cup 2023 First edition, was organized by Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, the Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, came to an exciting end as Ward E Orile Kosofe emerged as the Champion with the sum of #300,000, Ward D Orile Ikosi secured the 1st Runner-up position with the sum of #200,000, and The Mayoress FC claimed third place with the sum of #100,000.

Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, the Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Congratulated all the winners for their Commitment to the competition, she expressed her commitment to Sports and Youth Engagement for the Youths of Ikosi Isheri LCDA. She emphasized the importance of engaging them and taking them off the streets.

“The youths are the leaders of tomorrow, they are our future,” said Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada. “We should engage them and take them off the street.”

The Mayoress highlighted the positive impact of the initiative, stating, “We have started on a good note, and we can see it over time. The youth have been cooperating right from the first day we started. Their faces are radiating with happiness that our local government could come up with this idea.”

One of the remarkable aspects of the Mayoress court is the inclusion of a female referee. Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada commended her for conducting the match exceptionally well, breaking barriers and inspiring others. The event was peaceful, demonstrating the good ambassadors the youth of Ikosi Isheri are.

“We have good youths that are good ambassadors we are talking about in Ikosi Isheri,” the Mayoress proudly stated. “We will continue to do more of this, come up with new initiatives for our youths because they are our pride.”

Dr. Adeola Jokomba, the State Secretary of the APC Lagos, commended the initiative of Mayoress Samiat Bada for redirecting the energy of young people towards more productive endeavors. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of engaging the youth to nurture future talents and discourage involvement in criminal activities.

“Looking at the amount of energy young people contribute to crime, this event has helped channel it into something more productive,” Dr. Adeola Jokomba stated. “This is how we discover and develop future talents. If everyone can actively engage our youth, we can guide them towards a positive path. To the youth, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity and avoid anything that may tarnish your reputation.”

Hon. Femi Saheed, the member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe constituency 2, gave kudos to the Mayoress administration for its commitment to the youth of Ikosi Isheri.

“This is one of the objectives of the four cardinal points of the Mayoress administration,” Hon. Femi Saheed stated. “The inception of these initiatives has not only discovered numerous talents but has also diverted the active energy of the youth away from the streets and into meaningful sporting activities.”

Mr. Damilare Omiloye, the SSA to Mr. Governor on Sport, has lauded the Mayoress of Ikosi Isheri LCDA for her well-structured initiative in promoting sports and empowering the youth.

“The program is a well-segmented initiative by the Mayoress of Ikosi Isheri LCDA,”Mr. Damilare Omiloye stated. “Sport cannot be overemphasized in our society. Firstly, it brings unity among individuals, and secondly, it helps the youth to avoid vices and negative practices.

Dr. Muritala Ishola, the Lagos State APC Youth leader, expressed his appreciation to Princess Samiat Bada’s efforts in creating a platform that brings young people from all corners of Ikosi Isheri together. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of the first edition of the Mayoress Cup in allowing youth to express themselves, engage with others, and steer clear of negative influences.

Coach Prince Maforoloka, the head coach of the Mayoress Football Academy, expressed his joy and gratitude on behalf of the community that hosted the tournament. When the invitation to support the youth came, Coach Prince Maforoloka recognized the importance of starting from the under twenty category to identify and empower young talent. He extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Mayoress for providing unwavering support for the tournament.

Here are the individual awards presented to outstanding players and coaches:

1. Fair Play Award: Shangisha Magodo (Ward B)
2. Best Defender: Alausa Qudus (Ward C)
3. Best Goalkeeper: Rasaq Kehinde (Mayoress FC)
4. Highest Goal Scorer: Dolapo Abdusalam (Ward E)
5. Best Player of the Tournament: Dolapo Abdusalam (Ward E)
6. Best Coach: Prince Richard