Students from some selected schools in Lagos had what they called an unforgettable experience last week as Abedi Pele of Ghana , a three-time winner of the African Footballer of the Year award and Stanbic Bank's African Cup of Nations Trophy Ambassador, visited them.

Schools visited were Oshodi Secondary School in Ajegunle, Corona School, Ilado Community Senior High School, Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School, Wahab Folawiyo High School, Maroko Senior and Junior High Schools, Ikoyi Primary School and Government Senior and Junior High School, all in Ikoyi,

The students' excitement was infectious as shouts of Pele! Pele!! Pele!!! rented the air everywhere the star footballer visited for the 20-minute Football Clinic. Excited pupils of Corona School jostled to get the Footballer's Autograph. After each session, 'Pele' presented certificates of participation to the students and took photographs with them.

He urged the students to take their academics seriously. He said most renown footballers worked hard to ensure a global acceptance for the game. Although football is now internationally accepted, those who would make a career in football should be educated first.

"Footballers, who are educated, can be ministers and ambassadors when they become less active in sports. So, be serious with your education so that your future will be bright", he said.

Head of Corporate Communication, IBTC Chartered Bank Plc. Mr. Michael Smith said the bank, as one of the main sponsors of the MTN African Cup of Nations, Ghana 2008, decided to take the trophy around some African countries, for the first time in the history of the tournament, to generate publicity for the event.

The visit, he said, would not be complete without visiting schools, as many children would be reached that way. It would also serve as a means of motivating them to work hard in their academics.

Smith noted that the Footballer's visit also exposed the bank to some physical needs of some of the schools. He therefore stressed the need for corporate organisations to visit public schools and assist the students, as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Head of Corona School, Mrs. Amelia Dafeta was glad that the football star visited her school. She observed that this would develop the children's interest in the game. Captain of the school's football team, Master Chinemelum Nnamani, was also pleased to meet Abedi 'Pele' and play football with a professional for the first time. Although the Primary Six pupil wants to be a banker, he said he loves and will continue to play football.