By Martin Odiete, Abuja
Patrick Idiaghe, proud owner of the one of the few 5-Aside football pitch in Abuja has revealed that his desire to engage the youth and take them out of social vices mostly associated with them was what prompted him into developing the playing ground.
Speaking exclusively to www.theajasanews.com during a visit to the playing ground located around the Setraco area of Mabuchi district, he said the idea was not motivated so much for money making, but is bore out of the love to see young boys and girls have a place to train and grow to become better persons in the society in the future.
Mr Idiaghe stated further, “It is a place of entertainment where people gather together to relax, and I started this place since about eight years ago. And after we had done all the buildings we decided to do a place where children can come and play. That was why we started the football pitch.
“We developed it to show love to the community, because it is not everybody that pays here to use the facility. I do not really care about that, all I care about is to create a place where people can gather together to have fun.
The business mogul used the occasion of the Valentine celebration to organize a carnival in the premises that plays host to various other entertainment centers. Part of the activities marking the carnival was a five-aside football tournament, “Currently, as part of the celebration of this love period we put together a carnival which included a football competition where we have great prizes for the first, second and third positions. All these is our way of motivating and empowering the Nigerian Youth. I have a foundation, Idiaghe Foundation where we offer scholarship to less privileged Nigerians,”
The Edo born philanthropist never the less reveals that he is not so much a fan of football, “The truth is that I am not really a fan of football. Though, when I was younger I used to be a goalkeeper, but each time there is a very hot shot I will just disappear. But along the line I love watching football, but I hardly go to the stadium, because if I go I will almost kick any person sitting beside me because of my deep involvement in the game. So, it better for me to sit at home and watch them from afar,” he concluded.
Comment:*
Nickname*
E-mail*
Website
