By Basheer Luqman Olarewaju anipr
When Yusuf Mutiu, a graduate of the University of Ilorin’s Department of Physical and Health Education, launched the “Play With Kwara Youths” (PWKY) initiative, few could have predicted its meteoric rise. From humble beginnings with only 47 participants in its first edition, the fourth edition has smashed expectations with a record-breaking 415 participants—a 750% increase from the inception of the event. This growth isn’t just in numbers, but also in the hearts of Kwara’s youth and the broader community, uniting young people from all walks of life under a shared love for sports.
Despite the initial skepticism, with naysayers doubting the success of the initiative, “Play With Kwara Youths” has grown to become one of the most anticipated sports events in the state. It’s more than a game now—it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and perseverance, and has won the endorsement of political giants, business moguls, academic figures, and, most notably, the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who christened the event with the powerful motto: “Kwara First”.
This year’s turnout exemplifies how this initiative has become a cornerstone for sports enthusiasts in Kwara. In just three days, 415 eager youths signed up for the fourth edition, representing an impressive geographical spread across 15 local government areas (LGAs) in the state. This broad participation reflects the unifying power of PWKY, which cuts across political affiliations, religious beliefs, and ethnic backgrounds—whether North, Central, or South Kwara.
Behold, sport has always been a great unifier, and “Play With Kwara Youths” is no exception. In a state where political, religious, and social divisions can often hinder progress, PWKY stands as a beacon of hope. It’s an event where all come together—not as members of different factions, but as youths with shared dreams, aspirations, and a love for healthy competition. It’s about more than just football, table tennis, or Ludo. It’s about building bridges where walls once stood, fostering a spirit of camaraderie that transcends typical societal divides.
This year’s participant demographics highlight the wide appeal of the event: 334 youth (80.5%) registered for football, the crown jewel of the tournament, while other participants showed interest in Ludo (11.1%) and table tennis (8.4%). These diverse sporting interests underscore the versatility of PWKY and its aim to cater to every corner of youth culture in Kwara. More remarkably, the event is fostering gender inclusivity, with 32 female participants, proving that PWKY is breaking boundaries even in traditionally male-dominated sports settings.
Moreover, the success of PWKY is not only a story for Kwara; it is a national movement waiting to happen. Nigeria, a nation where youth engagement is often discussed but rarely acted upon in meaningful ways, could take a cue from this initiative. The power of sports to transform lives, build community, and unite people should not be underestimated. PWKY has shown that one individual’s vision, backed by relentless determination, can bring together hundreds of young people who are eager for more than just physical activity—they want to be part of something bigger.
The participation of 182 youth from Ilorin West, 76 from Ilorin East, and many others from the farthest reaches of the state, such as Baruten, Patigi, and Edu, speaks volumes about the event’s reach and relevance. It is time that “Play With Kwara Youths” garnered national attention—not just for its success, but for the positive message it sends. Unity, sportsmanship, and Kwara-first loyalty are the principles upon which this initiative is built, and they deserve the spotlight.
Particularly, at the core of this transformative event is the vision of its founder, Yusuf Mutiu. With a background in physical and health education, Mutiu understood the potential of sports to inspire, engage, and empower. His journey from a visionary graduate to the driving force behind one of the state’s most talked-about youth initiatives is nothing short of inspirational.
Mutiu’s dream is one that defies the odds. He dared to start small, to persist through doubts and difficulties, and to expand despite the limitations of resources and support. His unwavering commitment has seen PWKY move from a modest gathering of 47 youth to a record-breaking 415 participants in the fourth edition, and it continues to grow. As he often says, the real victory lies not in the numbers but in the stories—stories of young Kwarans finding a sense of belonging, competing with pride, and uniting for a cause greater than themselves.
On the flipside, “Play With Kwara Youths” has not gone unnoticed by the state’s elite. The support of Kwara’s political gladiators, business moguls, and academic leaders demonstrates the initiative’s importance as a platform for youth development and empowerment. But perhaps the most significant endorsement has come from Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, whose support has lent credibility and prestige to the initiative.
The Emir’s motto, “Kwara First”, encapsulates the essence of the event: a state united by its youth, driven by the desire to excel and to build a better future. With such high-profile backing, PWKY is poised to grow beyond Kwara, potentially becoming a model for similar initiatives across Nigeria and the African continent.
As the fourth edition of “Play With Kwara Youths” kicks off, one thing is clear: this initiative is more than just a sports event—it’s a movement. A movement that unites Kwaran youth, that builds character and fosters a sense of community. It has shown that sports can be a powerful tool for change, and that when the youth come together, the possibilities are endless.
With continued support and recognition, PWKY is poised to become one of Nigeria’s premier youth sporting events, proving once again that Kwara’s youth are not just playing games—they’re making history.
Basheer Luqman Olarewaju
Fellow, PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship.