AIPUFT Organisers Seek Partnership with Kwara Sports Commission, FA as Preparations for Second Edition Commence

By Mohammed Alhaji Tauheed ✔

AIPUFT Organisers Seek Partnership with Kwara Sports Commission, FA as Preparations for Second Edition Commence 

The organisers of the AIEDU Inter-Local Government Area Peace and Unity Football Tournament (AIPUFT) have officially commenced preparations for the second edition of the competition with high-level advocacy visits to the Kwara State Sports Commission and the Kwara State Football Association (FA).

The delegation, led by Uthman Qasim, visited the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Alhaji Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, and the Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa (Thuraya), to formally present the vision for AIPUFT 2.0 and seek institutional collaboration for the expanded grassroots football championship.

Speaking during the visits, Qasim said the success of the maiden edition demonstrated the enormous potential of football as a tool for promoting peace, unity, youth development and talent discovery across Kwara State.

He disclosed that AIPUFT 2.0 will significantly expand its reach by featuring teams from Kwara North and Kwara South Senatorial Districts, with each participating Local Government Area presenting two teams for the competition.

"Our goal is to build on the success of the first edition by creating a bigger and more inclusive platform that brings young people together, discovers football talents and promotes peaceful coexistence across our communities. We believe strategic collaboration with the Sports Commission and the Football Association is critical to achieving this vision," he said.

The delegation also included Mohammed Alhaji Tauheed, Uthman Haruna and Fadilat Sodiq, who reaffirmed the organisers' commitment to delivering a professionally organised tournament that would set a new benchmark for grassroots football in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

Responding, Alhaji Bolakale Mogaji commended the initiative, describing AIPUFT as a commendable grassroots intervention that aligns with the Kwara State Government's commitment to youth development through sports. He noted that community-based competitions remain vital to discovering hidden talents and fostering social cohesion, assuring the delegation that the Commission would continue to support initiatives that contribute to sports development across the state. 

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa (Thuraya), applauded the organisers for sustaining the tournament and expanding its scope. He stressed the importance of structured grassroots competitions in strengthening football development, adding that the FA remains committed to partnering with organisers who uphold the standards and regulations guiding the game. He encouraged the organisers to work closely with Local Government Football Associations to ensure broad participation and seamless coordination of the competition. 

The inaugural edition of AIPUFT attracted teams from across Kwara North and received nationwide commendation for combining competitive football with the promotion of peace, unity and social inclusion. With preparations now underway, expectations are high that AIPUFT 2.0 will build on that success and further establish itself as one of Kwara State's leading grassroots football tournaments.