By Yakubu Obande, in Kaduna
The Group Managing Director of Edi Jen Group, Chief Benjamin Omale JP, a well known Oil and Gas magnate based in northern Nigeria, says he loves engaging Nigerian youths through the beautiful game of football.
Omale is currently putting finishing touches to his annual youth soccer tournament known as Tag Tonsjos Football Tournament, to he hosted in the city of Kaduna towards the end of the year.
The Idoma-born business mogul has deep interests in the game having previously served as Chairman of Kaduna United Football Club. He has also been fully involved in grassroots football development in Kaduna over the years, which has been running close to 17 years now.
The competition is the oldest Football Tournament sponsored by an individual in the history of Kaduna.
Over the years, the Tonsjos football competition has produced players for local clubs and even for overseas export as well as producing talent for the various national teams.
Omale’s tournament is well structured by the football technocrat and he has always engaged experienced hands like former players, certified coaches and football administrators.
The first coordinator of the tournament was former BCC Lions star one time Super Eagles player, Emmanuel Okpula.
Chief Benjamin Omale himself was a promising footballer in his younger days but was unable to play in the top flight due to academic pursuits.
According to him: “I am very happy that my football tournament is pulling crowds yearly and I am also busy engaging the youths and encouraging them not to derail from their God-given talents.
“My tournament is well structured by technocrats and we promise to provide the best competition in terms of organisation and execution. Football is part of me, and if not for my educational and business pursuits I would have been a successful footballer who could have played for the Super Eagles,” he stated.
During his playing days, Omale was a promising centre back who played alongside the likes of Tajudeen Oyekanmi, Daniel Amokachi, and Pius Daniel.
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