AVM Ibrahim Floats Unity Cup to Sustain Late Father’s Community Development Legacy

AVM Ibrahim Floats Unity Cup to Sustain Late Father’s Community Development Legacy

Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Oluwatoyin Lanre Ibrahim (Rtd.) has disclosed that the Unity Cup tournament was organised in memory of his late father, Alhaji Adam Olohuntoyin Akanbi, 19 years after his demise, as a way of honouring his legacy of community development.

AVM Ibrahim, who spoke with journalists shortly after watching the Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 1 clash between Kwara United and Kano Pillars in Ilorin, said his late father died while he was still in active service and therefore did not have enough time to fraternise with members of his community.

According to him, the tournament is aimed at preserving his father’s legacy while using sports as a tool to promote unity, peace and community development.

“I lost my father 19 years ago. He was a community developer, and I am honouring him with this tournament to further foster unity and community development, especially in my immediate environment,” he said.

The competition, themed “Unity, Peace and Community Development through Sports,” is expected to reach its climax on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, with the grand finale scheduled to take place at the KFA Pitch, George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

AVM Ibrahim explained that this year’s edition was primarily designed as a test run, with plans to make the tournament bigger and more community-oriented next year.

“This year’s edition is to test-run the idea and see how we can make it more community-friendly. By next year, the competition will be bigger,” he added.

The retired Air Vice Marshal, who is also a passionate supporter of Kwara United, praised the Harmony Boys for their fighting spirit in their opening league fixture against Kano Pillars.

Kwara United came from two goals down in the first half to secure a 2–2 draw against the visitors, and AVM Ibrahim urged the team to build on the performance as the league progresses.

He expressed optimism that the club could achieve better results if the players maintain their fighting spirit and consistency throughout the season.

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