Progress FC of Ogbomoso have emerged champions of Football Competition organised by Oyo state primary healthcare board in partnership with Oyo state football federation, Oyo FA with the support of UNICEF and other stakeholders.
The football competition tagged “Kick to Keep Polio @ Zero” to promote Polio Immunization among men, ended in thrilling fashion, as Progress FC defeated New Starlets of Ibadan through penalty shootout in the final held at Ikolaba grammar school pavilion.
In her remarks, a UNICEF Behavioral Change Expert, Mrs. Aderonke Akinola – Akinwole who emphasized the need for Men to support their wives in the fight against polio charged men to take an active role in their children’s health.
Also speaking, UNICEF’s Southwest Nigeria Programmes Manager, Muhammed Okorie, noted that the aim of the 24 team football competition was to promote men’s involvement and community leaders’ engagement in polio immunization.
Expressing his happiness, captain of the victorious team, Progress FC, Saka Abdullahi, appreciated organizers of the competition and their efforts in curbing polio among children.
While the team Coach, Jimoh Yekini,who also won the best coach of the competition, attributed their success to hardwork, determination and consistency.
At the final of the football competition that features teams across six zones of Oyo state, awards were presented to outstanding players, teams, some notable individuals organizations and some selected media media houses including Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station,and Pensioners 106.7FM,were awarded with” The Childhood Immunization Champion Award” for their tireless dedication and unwavering support in ensuring that every child receives vaccinations needed to stay healthy and be protected from vaccine – preventable diseases, as well as promoting sports at the grassroots.
Dignitaries present were Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal represented by Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abdulwaheed Adelabu, Chairman, Oyo FA, Oba James Odeniran and General Manager, Pensioners FM, Dr. Bababtunde Tiamiyu
