As part of activities marking the 28-year anniversary of the Emir of Ilorin, HRH Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, on the throne, a soccer competition has been arranged by the Ilorin Emirate Football Council(IEFC) to commemorate the event.

Chairman of the IEFC committee for the event, Alhaji Owolabi Wopa, said this during an advocacy visit to the Managing Director, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Dr Saeed Adeniyi Aremu, in Ilorin, Kwara state Tuesday.

He said the decision was borne out of the need to celebrate the soccer-loving monarch who has been piloting the Ilorin Emirate through peace and progress.

“It is common knowledge that our revered emir is a lover of football and we deemed it fit that there is need to further add flavour to this year's celebration by organizing a football competition among clubs within and outside the state. The royal father has blessed this initiative and asked us to take it to notable Ilorin indigenes like you for possible support. As we talk now, some of the clubs that have registered for this competition are KWCOED FC, KWASU FC, KWAPOLY FC, NCAM FC, Kwara United FC, and also 3SC FC among others.

“The competition is expected to start off October 14 while the final comes up November 11. The draw comes on 7th October at the Indoor Stadium and the opening match holds on the 14th October at the Queen Elizabeth School Ilorin.

“Notable guests expected at the event include his (Sulu Gambari) brother from Gwandu, the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano, Ooni of Ife, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, among several other respected from across the country.”

Wopa, who led a 7-man team during the visit, solicited for support from all Ilorin indigenes, home and abroad, to make the programme a huge success.

Responding, the LNRBDA boss, Dr Aremu, commended the committee for the initiative, and assured members of his support.

Aremu said: “it is good the anniversary will be spiced with a soccer tournament which is the first of its type in the history of Ilorin. You are adding value to this year's event, you can be rest assured of support in my own little way. Twenty eight years on this revered throne is a big milestone and should be celebrated deservedly.”