In a bid to foster unity among government officials, civilians, and security agencies, Twenty Bucks Creative, a non-profit organization, has emphasized the importance of peaceful co-existence among all sectors of society. The organization seeks to bring groups together through a unique initiative—a football tournament designed to bridge divides and promote cooperation.

Football as a Tool for Unity

Speaking at the launch of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place on October 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, and 13th at the Navy Sport Camp Football Field in Apapa, Lagos, the founder of Twenty Bucks Creative, Charbel Olusanya, highlighted the unifying power of football.

Olusanya, an avid football enthusiast, expressed his belief in the sport’s ability to promote harmony between the government, civilians, military, and other security agencies.

“The purpose of this event is to promote unity—not only for the youth but also for the government and civilians, Football is a tool of unity in Nigeria. I grew up in the barracks, so this is my way of giving back to the children whose parents are keeping the country safe.” Olusanya stated.

Participants Include Security Agencies

The tournament will feature teams representing key security and governmental institutions, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). However, Olusanya noted that the participants will not be active-duty officers but rather their children, fostering a sense of camaraderie among future generations.

“This football competition, involving all the security agencies and relevant institutions, has never been done before in this manner. This is history in the making. I believe in not just the young ones in the barracks but Nigeria at large. I am starting from the barracks because that is my root.” he said.

Cash Prizes and Opportunities for Young Talents

Olusanya also revealed that significant cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. The first-place winners will receive 1 million Naira, while the second and third-place teams will be awarded 600,000 Naira and 300,000 Naira, respectively.

Beyond the tournament, Twenty Bucks Creative is committed to providing more platforms for young talents to showcase their skills. “We are creating opportunities for the youth to shine, especially those who come from military or government families,” Olusanya emphasized.

Women Empowerment Initiatives

In an effort to promote gender balance, Olusanya announced that the tournament will feature special activities for women during halftime. “There will be women empowerment activities,” he said. “The Master of Ceremony will call random women from the audience to participate in competitions, such as ball juggling. Whoever juggles the ball the most will win various prizes.”

This initiative, Olusanya explained, is part of his broader vision to engage all members of society, regardless of gender, in the spirit of unity and collaboration.

A Vision for a United Nigeria

As the tournament approaches, Olusanya remains optimistic about its impact, not only in fostering unity within Lagos but also in setting a precedent for other regions. “I’m ready for the task ahead because I believe in the potential of Nigeria,” he concluded.

The event promises to be a celebration of sportsmanship, community, and cooperation, as well as an important step toward bridging the gap between government agencies, civilians, and security forces.