The Baba Yara Novelty Football Match, hosted by Hon. Chief Mrs. Barbara Eleojo Jitoboh, has been hailed as a groundbreaking event in Idah, Kogi State.
The match, which took place at the Qua Iboe Primary School Field, drew a diverse crowd of top government officials, royal fathers, women, youths, and children.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included Her Excellency, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ahmed Ododo, First Lady of Kogi State, represented by Hon. Monday Anyebe, Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Kogi State.
Other prominent attendees included Hon. Halilu Alfa, Executive Chairman, Idah Local Government Council, and royal fathers HRH Alh Akwu Obaje and HRH Alhaji Abuh Shaibu Okolo.
The novelty match featured a thrilling penalty shootout, with the Golden Boys Academy FC from Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area emerging victorious against Idah Football Club, Idah, with a score of 1:0.
The event also included an award ceremony, where winners received cash prizes.
The BABA YARA Memorial Novelty Match was held in loving memory of Alhaji Ibrahim Hussein, Hon. Chief Barbara Eleojo Jitoboh’s late father.
The event showcased Mrs. Jitoboh’s commitment to promoting sports development and community engagement in Kogi State.
The success of the event was made possible by the support of various individuals, including Kamar Olachene Abubakar, who provided his platform for the event. The organizers expressed their appreciation for his contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the founder of Barbara Eleojo Jitoboh foundation praised the wife of the Kogi state Governor for ensuring the success of the event.
She noted that the Novelty Match was part of the One Kogi program aimed at empowering youth in the state.
