The Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, has said the government is fully behind Seyi Akinwunmi’s bid to become the next president of the Nigeria Football Federation.
The NFF elections are scheduled for September 30 in Benin City, Edo State, with Akinwunmi one of several candidates aiming to succeed Amaju Pinnick as president.
The current NFF first vice-president and Lagos State Football Association chairman is considered the frontrunner given his decades of experience and achievements in his corporate and commercial law practice and football administration.
Akinwunmi formally declared his candidacy at the Bagaulda Kaltho Press Centre inside the Lagos State Secretariat in Ikeja on Sunday, and Omotoso was there to give the state’s support.
“Seyi Akinwunmi’s credentials are intimidating, but his intention is not to intimidate anybody; he is just someone with a passion for excellence,” Omotoso said.
“He is an example of the excellence Lagos State is known for and he is ready to take it to the national level as NFF president.
“This is why we have come here to tell you how much of an asset he is. When you see a man who has a vision, who has a plan, who hardly makes mistakes, it is Seyi Akinwunmi.
“I’ll want all of us to support him. His passion for football is unrivalled.”
Omotoso added that it is clear that in terms of antecedents, Akinwunmi is levels above the other candidates running for president.
“I mean no disrespect, but when compared to the other people contesting for NFF president, Seyi Akinwunmi’s passion for Nigerian football is unparalleled,” the commissioner noted.
“He has over the years demonstrated qualities of leadership, passion, enthusiasm, and is facing the future with his best foot forward.
“Seyi Akinwunmi is what Nigerian football needs now and we in Lagos State are ready to ‘donate’ him to the national level.”
Akinwunmi himself spoke about his vision for Nigerian football, anchored on what he called four pillars: football development, business of football, infrastructure and technology.
He expanded on the four pillars and explained how he would build on his successful Lagos model to develop the grassroots, improve the league, integrate women’s football and build the capacity of coaches and referees.
Akinwunmi also promised to turn the country’s football into a real business where all involved can make real money, citing his experience with Soccerex, as well as regenerate infrastructure and use technology to protect and enhance investment in the game.
