The Lagos State Government today officially unveiled the FOOTBALL FOREVER statue at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
The statue is a 22ft tall sculpture of four players, two aside, standing on an eight feet concrete pedestal announcing and showcasing the prowess, commitment and passion of Nigerians for the beautiful game.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, through his Special Adviser on Arts and Culture Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola described the statue as a monument of great value that describes the passion. Lagosians and Nigerians bestowed upon sports and football in particular.
He said our love and passion for football is an open secret, it is acknowledged as the most popular sport that the kelps to keep our nation united even in critical period. This artistry of the round leather game depicts a strong pedigree the sports has attained the pride attached to it by Lagosians and Nigerians in general.
According to the Governor ‘The Monument seeks to educate the Nigerian youth and all visitors to Lagos State that our passion for sport is not only captured by iconic infrastructure facilities and competitions but include giving oppourtunity to expose artistic representation of its value creative minds.
Governor Ambode further declared that the monument reveals Lagosians dexterity in the game of football and projects our fitness and readiness for glory as it conveys vital sport education knowledge and the promotion of sport tourism in Lagos State.
Adoring the creativity behind the statue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, encouraged all sport enthusiast to always come around to draw inspiration from the monument.
Briefing the media on the significance of the sculpture, the brain behind the statue, Mr Ade Odunfa stated that the inspiration behind the statue is to express the significance of football in the country’s unity. According to him, football is a game every youth wants to engage in, hence this monuments gives them inspiration to pursue and express their soccer artistry and be committed to the beautiful game
