The grand finale of the 2016 Summer Camp of the Cowbell Football Academy (CFA), an initiative of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, witnessed an atmosphere of excitement and applause by parents, stakeholders, sport lovers and spectators at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday, August 13th, 2016.
The three-week Summer Camp, particularly opened for students on long vacation was aimed at the total development of the Nigerian child through sports and extra-curricular activities.
Abiodun Ayodeji, Category Manager, Dairy, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, revealed that the company created the initiative with a view to adding to society as a socially-responsible corporate citizen. He said: “We are not here to make profit alone as a company but we are very keen in creating activities and platforms that would provide a 360 ⁰ development opportunity for Nigerian children and youths.” He further stressed that Promasidor’s idea behind the CFA was to create an enabling platform for kids and youths for self-expression and development through sports, thereby adding to the society through human capital development. “This is all about total development, whether in academics or extra-curricular activities,” he said.
Godwin Dudu-Orumen, Rector, Cowbell Football Academy (CFA) expressed gratitude to Promasidor for sponsoring the initiative, which has ensured the realization of the academy’s objective of improving and developing sports in the country. Dudu-Orumen, among others, said “I want to use this medium to say a very big thank you to Promasidor for being very supportive in developing sports in Nigeria and creating other platforms for kids and youths development.” He explained that the academy catches the youngsters and grooms them physically and mentally through their early years into young adulthood when they will be ready to face bigger challenges and opportunities. He also expressed gratitude to parents who allowed their kids to be part of the academy.
Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, said the CFA platform is indeed contributing immensely to the development of football in Nigeria. His words: “apart from schooling and football, we realized the pupils are being taught discipline, interpersonal and communication skills which would help them excel in any endeavour. We have seen significant changes and improvement over the years through this Cowbell football initiative.”
He therefore enjoined the private sector to join hands as a team and develop sports in the nation adding that the government cannot do it alone. He gave Promasidor kudos for not just supporting the initiative, but most importantly sustaining the support over the years.
Parents and their kids, guests and other sports lovers who trooped to the stadium had a great time as the CFA team played the grand finale game with Vining United FC, a second division national league. The guest player for CFA team was Gbenga Okunowo, Ex International, Barcelona FC and Under-20 team captain Nigeria whose presence was envisioned to ignite the confidence of the CFA Boys during the game.
The Cowbell Football Academy currently has three centres in Lagos, Ikorodu and Benin. Promasidor Nigeria Limited has been the sponsor of the academy for the fourth year running.
Modupe Gbadeyanka