By Segun Oniyide
Lagos state Governor Babatunde Fashola on Thursday received the UEFA Champions League Trophy, The governor added that tapping into the benefits of football would help the continent grow its economy and alleviate poverty.
Fashola who spoke after receiving the trophy at the State House, Ikeja as part of the ongoing trophy tour in Lagos, said “millions of children on the streets can benefit from the enterprise the game of football brings
(L-R) Heineken Ambassador, Mr Ruud Gullit, Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola and Nigeria International Football Legend, Mr Sunday Oliseh at the presentation of the UEFA Champions League Trophy to the Governor at Alausa, Lagos on Thursday.
Among those at the presentation include former Super Eagles players, Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Sunday Oliseh, former European Footballer of the Year, Ruud Gullit and top management of Heineken, sponsors of the UEFA Champions League football competition.
The governor continued; one of the lessons of the success of the UEFA Champions League and the followership it has gained across the world is what the continent could tap into to boost the followership of African football club competitions,Fashola commended the sponsors of the trophy tour for the opportunity for football lovers to catch a close glimpse of the trophy, an initiative he said can inspire young people to dream big and achieve their goals.
his is a rare opportunity for Lagosians to make contact with the trophy which symbolizes many long nights of engagements and passion in Nigerian homes and communities and I will.