LAGOS – Dr Rafiu Oladipo, the President-General of the Nigerian Football and Other Sports Supporters Club, has said that he spent his personal money to promote the club.
Oladipo stated this when he kicked off the 6th Ships and Ports Soccer Challenge, otherwise known as Maritime Cup, which began on Monday in Lagos.
“I am a clearing agent and I am proud to say it anytime. Many people think I make money in supporters club but they are wrong.
“The money I make as a clearing agent is what I even spend to promote the supporters club,’’ he said.
Oladipo, who is also the President-General, African Football and Other Sports Supporters Union (AFOSSU), commended the organisers of the competition.
“The organisers have done well for introducing sports into the otherwise serious maritime industry,’’ he said.
He urged the teams to embrace fair play and give their best in the tournament.
The sponsor of the tournament, Micheal Ubogu, the Managing Director Micura Services, said that he sponsored the tournament in honour of the late Pa Olayiwola Okunloye of the maritime industry.
“Pa Okunloye is the deceased father of the Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, Dr Vicky Haastrup.
“We are sponsoring this year’s edition because of the deceased who contributed a lot to the industry.
“This is also our third time of sponsoring the Maritime Cup because of its contribution in harmonising the industry,’’ Ubogu said.
Twelve teams are competing in the competition organised to harmonies companies in the maritime industry.
In the opening match of the competition, defending champions, Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) defeated Dominion Divine Freight Forwarders (DDFF) 2-1.
In the other match, Micura Services thrashed African Circle 6-1.
The competition, holding at the football field of the Nigeria Institute for Sports at the National Stadium, Lagos, will end on April 11. (NAN)
