Igbogbo All Stars FC emerged as the winner of the Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun All-Stars Unity Cup, taking home the top prize of ₦500,000. The tournament, sponsored by Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, member Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency II, aimed to promote unity and sportsmanship among participating teams.

Makbet All Stars FC secured the second place prize of ₦400,000, while Alabiamo All Stars FC claimed the third place prize of ₦300,000. IGBE All-Stars FC took home the fourth place prize of ₦200,000.

In a gesture of encouragement, all participating teams received refunds of their ₦50,000 registration fees. This move was seen as a boost to the teams and a demonstration of Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun’s commitment to supporting grassroots football in his constituency.

Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency 2, commended the spirit of unity and sportsmanship displayed by participants at the All-Stars Unity Cup.

In his address at the tournament’s final match, Hon. Abiodun expressed gratitude to God for the successful tournament, which kicked off two months ago across Ikorodu constituency 2.

“We played in Imota, we played in Elepe, we played in Igbogbo, and we played also in Ibeshe. The final today which we played in Egbin Kingdom,” he said.

Hon. Abiodun acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests, including the Ranodu of Imota, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Olubeshe of Ibeshe kingdom, who was represented by Odofin of Ibeshe, and the CEO of Egbin Power PLC.

He praised the All-Stars team, comprising 16 teams of men aged 40 and above, for their marvelous work in promoting unity and sportsmanship. Hon. Abiodun emphasized the importance of unity, citing a song he sang during his speech, which highlighted the need for love and unity to strengthen communities, states, and countries.

“Love our unity that are pulled and are strengthened and that makes grow any community any states any country and any hope,” he said.

Hon. Abiodun explained that the tournament was organized to promote unity among the constituents. “We are all men, we are men because this team is 40 above these age 40 and above, and when you see us, we are the one that handle our homes, we are the one that handles the community, we are the one that handle our society,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of imbibing the spirit of sportsmanship, which involves winning, drawing, and losing. “That is exactly how life is. Life is not win-win-win-win. Life is for the fact that you lose today doesn’t mean you will not win tomorrow,” he said.

Hon. Abiodun expressed his confidence that the participants had taken home valuable lessons from the tournament. “I know that once our home is better, then our society will be better, and by extension, our country will also be better,” he said.

He also used the opportunity to appreciate his colleagues, including Hon. Femi Saheed, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, who is the chairman of the committee on youth, social development and sports, Hon. Orelope, Hon. Seyi Lawal, and Hon. Temitope Adewale.

Hon. Abiodun also thanked the guest artiste, 9ice, for his enthusiasm and support for the tournament. “Even look at his enthusiasm when he saw the penalty kickouts going on. That is the spirit of unity that is exactly what 9ice has also come here to display today,” he said.

He concluded by praying for the success of future editions of the tournament and expressing his confidence in the continued promotion of unity and sportsmanship. “I pray that by next year, none of us will be fighting one team. Well, I’m very confident because it’s what I love doing. But I trust God, that the God that has made this year a reality will also make the next year one a reality by His grace.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Adewale Bolowotan, DG Smile Foundation, praised the All- Stars tournament sponsored by Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun for celebrating the beauty of the game and embodying the unity and vitality of the community.

Stating Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun’s commitment to grassroots football was evident throughout the tournament. The Director General noted that Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun’s tournament had become a beacon of hope and inspiration, highlighting the immense talents and sportsmanship within the community.

Renowned Nigerian hip-hop artist, 9ice, electrified the crowd with a mesmerizing performance, belting out his hit tracks to the delight of the audience.

Dignitaries in attendance were; HRM, Oba Abdulhakeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, HRM, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, Ranodu of Imota Kingdom, HRM, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Chief Aliu Musediku, the Regent of Ijede Kingdom, Oba Richard Ogunsanya the Olubeshe of Ibeshe kingdom represented by Odofin of Ibeshe kingdom.

Hon. Jimoh Orelope (Alimosho I), Hon. Lawal Adeseye (Ikeja I), Hon. Orekoya Abiodun (Somolu I), Hon. Femi Seheed (Kosofe II), Former Lagos State House of Assembly members  representing Ikorodu Constituency II (Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola and Hon. Gbenga Oshin), Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, Dean, Faculty of Students Affairs, LASU, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, Chairman Ijede LCDA, Hon. Wasiu Agoro, Chairman Imota LCDA,
Comrade Olalekan Biliamin Oba, SSA on Social Development to the Governor of Lagos State.
APC’s LGA and ward Chieftains across the constituency.