Former Nigerian Presidential Candidate, Prof. Chris Imumolen, demonstrated his commitment to youth development by awarding ₦40 million in scholarships to the male and female champions of the National Secondary School Flag Football Competition. The Lagos State male and female teams each received ₦20 million in scholarships for their stellar performances.
The thrilling finals took place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, where Lagos State's Male and Female teams emerged victorious, defeating their counterparts from Akwa Ibom State in both categories.
Female Final: Lagos edged out Akwa Ibom in a tight game, winning 14–12, Male Final: Lagos defeated Akwa Ibom convincingly with a score of 22–12, reclaiming the championship from the former male champions.
The Akwa Ibom girls secured a final spot by defeating FCT, while Lagos triumphed over Team Kwara, In the male category, Akwa Ibom overcame Oyo State, while Lagos dominated Cross River.
The event attracted notable dignitaries, including:Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ekaette Ebong, representing Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, Mrs. Agnes Atsu, Commissioner for Sports Development, Cross River State, Comr. Samuel Ekpala, Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Sports, Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu.
The ₦40 million scholarship awards were presented on behalf of Prof. Chris Imumolen by the Cross Rivers State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, alongside Mr. Babajide Akeredolu, President of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA).
Lagos State male and female teams were awarded an additional ₦1 million each by NAFA President, Mr. Babajide Akeredolu, First Runners-up (Akwa Ibom State): ₦750,000 each for male and female teams, Second Runners-up (Cross River State male team): ₦300,000, Third-place Female Team (FCT): ₦300,000.
The tournament, held as part of the Season 3 Akweti Bowl II American Football Tournament, aimed to foster the growth of American football in Nigeria. Mr. Akeredolu highlighted NAFA’s vision to provide more opportunities for young athletes through sports.
Prof. Chris Imumolen’s generous scholarships emphasize his dedication to empowering Nigerian youth by combining education and sports as tools for societal transformation.
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