With  pageantry, Seyi Akinwunmi makes his NFF Presidency declaration

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

In a rare show of sportsmanship, virtually all the candidates to the top seat of the Nigeria Football Federation were in attendance as Seyi Akinwunmi made his declaration at the Lagos Room of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Tuesday.

Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Musa Ahmadu, Idah Peterside who are also presidential candidates in the election slated for Benin on September 30 were in attendance at the declaration by Akinwunmi.

Also present were some other executive committee members of the NFF. They include Enyimba FC strongman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ and Ganiyu Majekodunmi.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Olusegun Dawodu.

Former NFA chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was also in attendance along with former General Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Tijani. Some states’ FA chairmen were also present.

The message was clear. The election is going to be politics without bitterness as all resolved to support the candidate that eventually emerge.

Akinwunmi kicked off his campaign with the presentation of a brief history of the NFF as Kunle Solaja addressed the gathering that included NFF congressmen on the fact that contrary to popular belief and as indicated in the crest of the football body, the NFF was not founded in 1945.

Foremost broadcaster and former Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC),  Dr Danladi Bako held the hall spellbound as he reeled out football information, first to inform all, that he was eminently qualified as a football community citizen ahead of his introduction and subsequent endorsement of Seyi Akinwunmi as the best candidate for the NFF presidency.

In unfolding his presidential bid, Akinwunmi, using the campaign slogan: “Football First”, explained why he considered himself the best option to lead the NFF.

In began with a pre-event video presentation before expatiating on his agenda, telling the gathering that he would create an inclusive, vibrant and efficient football ecosystem.

He promised to begin with the grassroot to develop sustainable national football culture and provide pathways to success and fully exploit the Nigerian entrepreneurship spirit.