Hon. Umar Farouk Arisekola Alao, APC candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency and former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, has once again been commended for his commitment to youth development following a thank-you visit by professional footballer Sunday Afolabi, whose career trajectory was significantly influenced by the former Commissioner’s intervention.

Afolabi, who currently plays for Diamond Harbour FC in India, paid a courtesy visit to Arisekola Alao last Friday to express appreciation for the role he played in helping him secure his first major breakthrough in professional football. As Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Arisekola Alao facilitated the talented player’s move to Crown Football Club, Ogbomosho, then one of the notable platforms for emerging football talents in Nigeria.

‎The opportunity proved pivotal for the young footballer, who went on to develop his career through the professional ranks before eventually securing opportunities abroad. Today, Afolabi’s journey from a promising local talent to an international professional footballer stands as a testament to the impact of timely support and purposeful leadership.

Speaking during the visit, Afolabi expressed gratitude to Arisekola Alao for believing in his potential at a crucial stage of his career, noting that the support he received opened doors that ultimately transformed his life and football journey.

This story reflects Arisekola Alao’s approach to public service, one focused on creating opportunities, identifying talent, and leveraging strategic networks and institutional platforms to positively impact lives. Throughout his tenure as Commissioner for Youth and Sports, he remained actively involved in programmes aimed at youth empowerment, sports development, and talent discovery across Oyo State, helping many young people access opportunities that might otherwise have remained beyond their reach.

As he seeks to represent Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, the success story of Sunday Afolabi underscores more than a record of youth development; it highlights Arisekola Alao’s capacity to connect people with opportunities and attract meaningful benefits through experience, exposure, and strong networks built over years of public service. These qualities position him to effectively leverage relationships, institutions, and government platforms to attract tangible dividends of democracy, expand opportunities for constituents, and advance the overall development of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.