The highly anticipated Baba Yara Novelty Football Match, hosted by Chief Mrs. Barbara Eleojo Jitoboh through her non-governmental organization (NGO), Barbara Eleojo Jitoboh Foundation has been hailed as a resounding success in Idah, Kogi State.
The event, which took place at the Qua Iboe Primary School Field, brought together a diverse range of attendees, including top government officials, royal fathers, women, youths, and children.
Award was given to Her Excellency, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ahmed Ododo, First Lady of Kogi State, who was represented by Hon. Monday Anyebe, Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Kogi State.
Other notable attendees included Hon. Halilu Alfa, Executive Chairman, Idah Local Government Council, and royal fathers, including HRH Alh Akwu Obaje, the Ejeh of Ofu, and HRH Alhaji Abuh Shaibu Okolo, the Ogohi Onu of Anyigba.
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.
In her speech, 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 project aimed at empowering youths and grassroots development in the state.
