Mandalas Visionary Development Foundation in partnership with Non playable club and Mandalas versus Non-Playable Club, on Monday, handed over a FIFA 6-aside football pitch to Shasha community in Akinyele local government area of Oyo state.
The football pitch which worth millions of naira is located at Shasha Community Primary School and will be replicated in other communities in different local government areas in Ibadan.
While speaking with journalists at the commissioning ceremony, Mr Badmus Basit, the Architect and Project Manager said the project worth $22,000, which is about N18 million Naira in Nigerian currency.
He added that they have reached an agreement with the school management on the mode of operation and the maintenance of the pitch.
When asked about the choice of Akinyele LGA, he added that the choice of the foundation is to construct football pitch in a community that has youths who love football.
His words: “This project is about $20,000. We decided to cite it here because of the community and the school, not necessarily because it falls in Akinyele local government area.
“So, our choice is to put it in a community that has youths who love football. We came here and saw a lot of aspiring kids who love football and want to be footballers. That was why we chose this community and location.
“We have an agreement with the school management and we both agreed on putting it on this actual spot. And we have been assured it will be properly managed by the Principal.
“Also, we have the plan to replicate this in other communities in different local government areas in Ibadan.
“Let me add that this facility will not only be useful for football purpose but also for some social events and, when that happens, it means it is being monetized. So, whatever profit made in that process will be used to maintain the facility.”
Highlight of the event included a novelty match between Mandalas versus Non Playable Coin which ended in favour of Mandalas.
Present at the commissioning were Dr Felix Owolabi, Ex-super Eagles Players, government officials led by Dr Mrs Dele Busari, Head of Local Government Administration, Akinyele local government area and other dignitaries.
