Akwa United’s profile as a foremost football brand was further applauded when a South African-based football enthusiast and philanthropist, Mr Oladeru Olaitan, through his sport marketing agency donated football kits to the Nigerian top club.
Mr Olaitan, who is the chief executive officer of a sport marketing firm, Olahscholes Limited, said he is proud to support and identify with a brand like Akwa United which in the last six years has become a factor in Nigerian and African football.
“I have followed the exploits of Akwa United over the years only to get the interest highlighted by the arrival of Coach DejiAyeni, who I respect and admire,” he said.
Among the items donated to the 2021 NPFL champions by the South African-based football enthusiast are 25 balls, track suits, traveling wears, hoses among others.
Presenting the kits to the management of the club, coachAyodeji Ayeni said he was shocked and surprised when he received a call from Mr Olaitan indicating interest in supporting Akwa United with football kits.
According to him, the philanthropist was more than a friend to him and like a brother to him.
“While here in Nigeria, I encouraged him to play professional football which he did for some years before travelling to South Africa where he played for a few more years before going into his private business,” Ayodeji stated.
He added that his friend was an ardent follower of Nigerian league and a big fan of Akwa United and when he heard that he is the coach of the club, he called to inform him that he wants to donate to the club as part of his support as a proud fan of the team.
“Few weeks later, I received these items from South Africa and I am here to present them to the club on behalf of Mr. Olaitan,” he said.
Receiving the kits on behalf of the club, the chairman, Elder Paul Bassey, appreciated Olaitan and described him as a kind and true supporter of Akwa United and encouraged others to emulate him.
“We are happy that the little efforts we are putting in to make Akwa United a global brand is being appreciated by people both within and outside Nigeria. We are deeply touched by this wonderful gesture by Mr Olaitan especially coming from someone who is not from Akwa Ibom State and who has never played or worked in this club .We have ex-players of this club who are doing well abroad but have never come back to give back to the club that helped them progress in their chosen profession,” said Bassey.
Bassey who praised Olaitan and his company for this show of love to the club, assured him that the club will do its best to ensure they justify the confidence reposed in them, especially by the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led government and good people of Akwa Ibom and the supporters worldwide and wished the donor success in all his endeavour.
The two-time Federation Cup champions recently resumed pre-season training in preparation for the new football season.
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