‘Why we are using BOWFT to address girl/child issues’

Mrs. Besty Obaseki taking the kickoff before the BOWFT final match at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin… at the weekend.

Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, at the weekend, reiterated that the just-concluded Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) goes beyond the activities on the football pitch, saying it addresses important issues in girl/child development.

Robo FC of Lagos were crowned champions of the competition after beating Edo Queens 1-0 with a goal scored by Oladeti Rukayat in the final game on Friday.

Speaking before the final game, Obaseki explained that her foundation is in football to fight against issues affecting the girl/child, adding that this year’s theme, ‘Say No To Drugs,’ addresses drug abuse and its attendant societal problems.

“We are not just doing football for football sake. There is a social goal behind it all. There is always a message to drive the competition.

“Last year, it was encouraging the girl/child to be educated and avoid child trafficking. “This year, it is against drug abuse. We are using it to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.”

The final of the 10-day event featured scintillating cultural displays, singing, dancing and drumming, by to announce the end of the tournament.

As part of the competition, a seminar/lecture was organised, with over 10, 000 youths, eminent personalities, guests and representatives from Nigeria’s 36 states engaged in a discourse to advance the campaign against drug abuse, its various manifestations, impact on the sports industry and the larger society and the imperative for collective action to tackle the menace for the betterment of society.

Present at the closing ceremony were Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Comrade