Senator Abubakar Bukola CON representing Kwara Central has expressed his delight at the feat recorded so far by Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club, ABS FC, Ilorin and the recognition on the Special Merit Award conferred on the team and its management by the Association of Professional Footballers Of Nigeria, APFON, for being the only club in Nigeria not indebted to its players as well as for its special concern for the welfare and future of its players.

The Distinguished Senator was equally pleased to learn that ABS FC was also commended for its discipline and professionalism in the handling of its home and away matches as it concern the security of match officials.

This was confirmed by the President of Nigeria Referees Association, NRA, Alhaji Ahmed Maude who disclosed that reports reaching him from his men indicated that no referee has complained of insult or assault in all home matches of ABS FC, which he commended the team and urged other clubs to emulate the Saraki Club.

Speaking further on the award, the Union's secretary, Mr Autine Popo while praising ABS FC for this special act of professionalism and as a positive signal aimed at educating other clubs on the need to take the welfare of players with the utmost priority. He, on behalf of the Association thanked the Proprietor of ABS FC, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON) and the management of the club for paying special attention to the players and officials' welfare as well as adhering strictly to contractual agreements.

In a show of appreciation to the Club's proprietor, the entire management, players and officials of the club have dedicated the special award to Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki

The General Manager of the club, Mr Alloy Chukwuemeka, said the award is a clear indication that the vision of Saraki, to make the club a model for other clubs to emulate is really coming to fruition.

Commenting further, Mr Chukwuemeka said that Dr Saraki had opined severally that motivation of players remains the best way to get the best out of the players whom he described as the real actors and ensuring that the majority of its players are encouraged to go to school by securing admissions and supporting them.

It  will be recalled that Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club of Ilorin is the only club not indebted to its players or officials, and also, the only privately owned club currently campaigning in the Nigeria Premier League owned by Senator Bukola Saraki, the former Governor of Kwara State.

 Senate Bukola Saraki speaking on the development has congratulated the team members and the club's management on the award. Saraki pledged his commitment to the development of sport at the grassroots, His Excellency said that  he will continue to prioritize the welfare of the team in building their capacity and adhere to best practices that confirms with International standards.