It isn’t my birthday, but as I stroll along the dusty yet solemn road leading to my favorite local pub on Ajilosun Street in Ado Ekiti, I can’t help but reflect.
Today marks the end of the year, and what a remarkable year it has been.
I was determined to conclude my tenure as the Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association on a high note, bidding farewell with a sense of accomplishment.
In pursuit of this goal, I convened a meeting with my team—a group of talented young individuals who often questioned my sanity. No State FA Chairman had ever voluntarily stepped down after a single term, and many believed I was doing an excellent job. However, I was resolute; I had fulfilled my objectives, and it was time to move on.
Supported by those who had initially encouraged me to vie for the position, such as the dynamic COO of the NLO, Olusola Ogunnowo, and the Chairman of the Ibadan Football League, Barr. Rotimi Alli, along with friends like Dr. Tunde Akinbinu, Ayodeji Adegbenro of LaLiga Nigeria, Tunde Shamsudeen of the NLO, Tobi Adepoju of Oga Nla Media, and my brothers Owolabi Gani Mustapha, Motunrayo Popoola, and Femi Fateru, we embarked on the final showdown—the State league finals.
Admittedly, I had concerns about life after football, a sport that had consumed my time for the past two decades. Could I survive without it?
The planning and execution of the final event excited me, yet uncertainty lingered. On May 27, 2023, I bid farewell to the State FA, embracing both the highs and lows it brought.
Transitioning to a life less dominated by football, especially youth development in Ekiti State, left me with ample free time. Unfortunately, my personal finances were in disarray, and my family had grown accustomed to my absence. Fortunately, friends like Segun Adenuga, Lekan Ogunbanjo, Kayode Abdullah, Deolu Oyebode, and Tade Gboyega provided invaluable support during this challenging period, reaffirming the Yoruba saying, “eeniyan laso mi” (people are my clothing).
Although opportunities to work with youths diminished since June, my dedicated young team and I persevered with faith.
The journey has been both easy and rough, but witnessing young talents like Tope Olaifa, Femi Adewumi, Deji Aladesiun, Mayowa Afolabi, Deji Olowolafe, Wale Raji, and others stepping into leadership roles brings me immense joy.
The various football events in Ekiti State communities during this yuletide season, such as the Bayo Arabi Unity Cup, Olumide Adegboye Unity Cup, Otunba Funsho Ogunleye Unity Cup, and more, indicate that our efforts were not in vain. It was not a waste of time after all.
Then came a call urging me to practice what I preached about football as a business.
So, we entered Green Lock FC, a story for another day. June to December 2023 passed swiftly, but the streets didn’t forget, contrary to my expectations.
To those who remained steadfast as friends, thank you. We indeed have many reasons to be grateful, and which favor of our Lord do we deny?