Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON) has been commended for his efforts at developing sports and promoting unity through the platform.

Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association (KWFA), Mallam Busari Ishola made the commendation at the opening ceremony of the Senator Abibakar Bukola Saraki sponsored Igbo Traders Football Association (ITFA) and Kwara Igbo Traders Association (KWAITA) organised Unity soccer competition among Igbo trading zones in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara state stadium on Sunday According to him, Saraki, the Chairman and Proprietor of National League side, ABS FC has shown great commitment to the upliftment of sports with the support he has been given to ABS FC, other sports and the Unity Cup competition among all Igbos in Kwara state, he said.

Earlier, the President-General of Igbo Community Association in Kwara state, Sir (Engr) Truelove Ngozi Njoku commended Saraki for using sports, especially football for promoting unity among Igbos in the state, while he also commended all the stakeholders for identifying with the aspiration.

"We are greatful, and would remain greatful to Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki for using this opportunity to bring us together. We also thank all the stakeholders for their support and cooperation. We thank you all", he said.

Chairman of KWAITA, Mr Anthony Umeobi, who took the kick-off commended all the 18 teams and traders in the state for their understanding and cooperation, and the sponsor, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki for his support to the Igbos, as he used the opportunity to appeal to the Igbos to remain disciplined, and sustain the cordial relationship with the host community, kwara.

Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, through his representative, Alloy Chukwuemeka, the General Manager of ABS FC presented a cheque of N650,000, being the sponsorship fee of the competition, to the Chairman of KWAITA, Mr Anthony Umeobi at the ocassion while assuring that the Sponsor Senator Saraki would grace the closing ceremony in November.

The defending champions, Oja Tuntun defeated Challenge zone 2-1 in the opening match of the competition.

Earlier,Station defeated Saw Mill/ Geri Alimi 1-0 in the first match of the day, decided at the same venue. Surulere and Taiwo zones played out a one-all draw, same as Baboko and Agaka zones.

Highlight of the opening ceremony was a march pass by the 18 team participating in the competition as well as a minute silence in honour of late Dr Ayo Bello who was until his death, a Patron of ITFA.

Other Dignataries at the ceremony include the Pillar of Sports in Nigeria Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, chairman Kwara YSFON Mallam Ademola Kiyesola. Chairman kwara Youths council Alh Kazeem Adekeye,as well as Igbo youths and women organization and Associations.

The competition continues on Sunday, with four matches. Baboko will take on Amilegbe/Oja Gboro by 10.00am, Emir Road will take on Ita Amodu by 12 noon, Unity and Opo Malu will tango by 2.00pm, while Offa Garage tackle Station in the last match of the day by 4.00pm.