CELEBRATING THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF ROUND LEATHER GAME

                 

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MR KEHINDE ADEBAYO OJELOWO THE DIRECTOR ORGANIZATIONS OF THE OYO STATE SPORTS COUNCIL, ADAMASINGBA, IBADAN

             Life is not about your age, Life is not only about living, so when your birthday comes, be thankful for the year that has just past and anticipate with a happy heart what the coming year will bring.

             “OJE” is one of the THREE MUSKETEERS that are lifewires of the Oyo State Sports Council, Ibadan. Having closely observed   him, I can vouchsafe that he is a distinguished gentleman who is humble, modest, meek, gentle and unassuming.

               This multitalented sportsman hails from Otu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State. He is very adept at round leathers games since his secondary school days in his hometown. He admitted that he could play  virtually all ball games effortlessly but he is not naturally endowed to play combat sports and swimming. 

               Shortly after his secondary school education at the Baptist Grammer School Otu, he proceeded to Divisional Teacher Training College, Saki (Grade 1). Thereafter, he secured admission to the Osun State College of Education, Ilesha. He represented his school at NICEGA in 1992 at katsina which was referred to as DIKKO ’92 and the team came home victorious with Gold Medal.

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             “I was one of the best eleven in the teacher’s college and the captain of the school team in  my final year at the Osun State College of Education, Ilesha."           Subsequently, he was offered admission to study Human Kinetics and Health Education at the Premier University of Ibadan, Ibadan. In  quest to further  studies, he gained admission for his postgraduate studies at the same tertiary institutional to pursue “M. Ed  Sports Administration.

           Though he started his career as a Classroom Teacher, he did not only prove that he has pedagogical skills as a brilliant physical and Health Education teacher, he also demonstrated his ingenuity and proficiency as a talented coach of many ball games in all the secondary schools where he taught. This development cascaded his interest to transfer his service to Oyo State Sports Council to work as a Sports Organizer.

           He was privileged to work as a Zonal Sports Officer in Saki, Ogbomoso and Oyo. He was a former Secretary of Athletics, Handball and Para – powerlifting at various times.

           Mr Ojelowo is a man that is endowed with administrative and managerial skills coupled with the fact that he is always eager to impact the lives of  others and attend  to  their needs.    In recognition of his magnanimity , he was unanimously voted as the President of the Oyo State Sports Council Staff Cooperative Society.

          Mr Ojelowo was also the former Secretary of Oyo State Sports Council Welfare Committee.

          This Sports Administrator is very diligent, he will expend all his time  and energy to discharge his duties  conscientiously well to ensure that he leaves no stone unturned. His numerous achievements are testimonies to the fact that he is a trailblazer who is  highly committed and dedicated to his official duties, even on weekends when others are carousing with their friends  and allies at their various rendezvous in town. Consequent upon all these identified qualities, he was appointed Chairman of Nigeria Football dFederation Secretaries; Coordinator, Western Nigeria Football Association Secretaries and NPFL Match Commissioner.

          “Kenny” as being fondly called  addressed by his friends and associates has travelled far and wide in the course of his duties within and outside Nigeria.

           He was privileged to travel to Malaysia, Republic of Benin, Brazil for 2014 World Cup and Cameroons  for the 2021 African Cup of Nations. He stated further that he has visited not fewer than 31 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

         “Kenny” has a great VALUE FOR CULTURE HE IS FROM THE LINAGE WHERE THEY CELEBRATE MASQURADE FIESTA with “Olele and Eko” and the entire town jubilating while the able bodied youths will be brandishing canes and other weapons with the drummers and dancers displaying along the highways and streets: it is always an annual memorable festival. 

         His favorites includes: Shakes pare novels; Shooting Stars Club (3SC) Great Manchester United and traditional music

        His hobbies are : reading novels, watching football matches, War, Indian and Yoruba Films and passionate about driving cars. No doubt, he is an adventurous person who delights in touring sites and monuments.

         He is guided by the principle which says “Humility is not stupidity, he who have it, has a gift of God”. His cherished values are loyalty, humility, honesty, Integrity compassion, kindness and selflessness. He remarked that

       " It has always been my wish to see Shooting Stars Football Club metamorphose to be the best club in Nigeria. He prayed that the club will regain his past glories with a  view to become a self sustained club like the European and North African Teams stressing that it will be appreciated if the club is provided with all the state of arts sporting Facilities and other attractive remunerations that will enhance the performances of the team.

         His infectious smile and uncommon mien stands him out among his contemporaries. He is not a man that can be easily provoked and he accepts every logical presentations from his colleagues, associates and subordinates with equanimity. He has an unusual friendly disposition which endeared him to both young and old amongst the coaches and athletes in the stadium. 

          By my own personal assessment, he is a man that guides his territory very strictly in a way that an average person will not misinterpret his gestures, overtures and insinuations.

         A very submissive and calculative personality who takes the individual differences into consideration when dealing with people. This unique innate quality he possesses might have contributed to his closeness and superb working relationship between him and the General Manager of the Sports Council. Be it as  it may, it will not be out of 5place to describe him as an importunate person who strives to please everyone that comes his way.

        Our path crossed six years ago or thereabout when we both served at an interministerial committee on Independence Day celebration. I was nominated to represent the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. He was very articulate ,forthright and eloquent at the meeting. Since then, I found this intelligent man to be very good.

      He is very passionate about children and this manifested in his relationship with a young Hausa boy from Kano State who hawks snacks in the Stadium and its vicinities. The young sabo boy visit Mr Ojelowo everyday including weekends especially after school hours when returning from school.  The rare intimacy between the duo attracted the attention of everyone in the Stadium. This adopted Son of Oje is by the name HUZEIFA AMINU.

         Distinguished Sportsman join me in celebrating the “Generalissimo” of round leather game at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. You will celebrate many more fruitful years in good health,  abundant blessings and divine favour.  Do not count your years make your years count. CONGRATULATIONS.

CREDIT SOURCE

‘TUNDE AJIBIKE

 Director( Media and Communications)

CELEBRATING A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE AT SEVENTY PLUS TWO; CHIEF MRS CHRISTIANAH OMOTAYO OGUNDARE

 

                        Birthday are a new start, a fresh beginning and a time to pursue new endeavors with new goals. Move forward with confidence and courage. You are a very special person. May today and all of your days be amazing.

                       CHIEF Mrs Christianah Omotayo Ogundare, a retired Permanent Secretary in Oyo State Civil Service is a versatile Economist whose rose to the pinnacle of her Civil Service career when she was appointed a Director General in 1992 by the erstwhile Governor of Oyo state, Chief Kolapo Ishola.

                      Earlier she worked with the Lagos State Government for 13 consecutive year before her glorious appointment which afforded her the ample opportunity to impact the life of many young graduates who have acknowledged her generosity and kindness in their various exalted positions, most especially when she was posted to the Oyo State Civil Service Commission. She influenced the appointment of many young graduates of which I am one of the beneficiaries of her benevolence.

                  The birthday ceremony was conceptualized to thank God for her good health, abundant strength, exceptional wisdom and other endowments bestowed upon her for the past seventy two years

                      The birthday of our mother, the matriarch of the famous Ogundare lineage of Ado-Awaye was celebrated in grand style at La Madison Place located at the high brow area of Lekki Pennisula in Lagos.

                      

Typical of a devoted and God fearing Christian, the celebrator kick-started with special prayer sessions, high praises and Christian hymns and choruses in appreciation of God’s unquantifiable blessings and uncountable favors.

                      The celebration was a huge success. The event was well managed and organized. It attracted the crème-da-la-crème of the society, which included captains of industries, religious leaders of diverse denominations and doctrines, eminent personalities from all spheres of life, scholars of reputable tertiary institutions, renowned administrators, opinion and community leaders, friends and associates.

                    It was an assemblage of eminent personalities like, Lady Boyin Peller, the wife of the Late world acclaimed popular magician, Professor ‘Tunji Akinyemi, a retired university Don; Mr Wale Oyedele , a retired insurance mogul, Rev, Dr Ezekiel Adegoke Akintayo of Everlasting Chapel, Sango Ota, Ogun State; Apostle Bukola Jegede of the Destiny Ministry, Lagos, Mrs Olorunisola Adesanya - Director legal, Lagos State and her husband, Pastor Adesanya, Mr and Mrs Kayode Adegbulugbe , C.O.O of Green Energy International, Mr Francais Oganya – the Country Director of Baker Hughes, Mr and Mrs Greg Akpeokhai, Mr Bisi Oduba – head of Energy, Sterling bank, Professor Aderonke Samuel, Mr and Mrs Chigbu (I R E D E Foundation), Mr and Mrs Wale Oyedele, Mr and Mrs Tonne Enemor, Ms Queen Nwaya, Mrs Eyitola Adeola – Adu, Mr Samson Oloko, Mrs Bolanle Opensanwo, Mr and Mrs Abimbola Peters, Ms Nunu Ojong, Mr Amos Akinyemi, the retired principal of Federal Government Science and Technical College Abuja

                                WHO IS CHIEF MRS CHRISTIANAH OMOTAYO OGUNDARE?

1)Mama Ogundare was born on 29th April, 1950

2)The second daughter of Chief, Isaac Adegoke Akinyemi, a retired Superintendent of police and Former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, the mother Mrs Monilola Akinyemi a successful business woman from the lineage of Adelodun family of Maye Compound, okeho in Kajola Local Government of Oyo State .

3)Wife of Barrister Joseph Oladiran Ogunniyi Ogundare. The Asiwaju of Ado Awaye Land and the Retired Director of Personnel of the Thomas Wyatt Nigeria, Limited Iganmu Lagos.

4)The Iyalaje of Ado Awaye land, a traditional chieftaincy title bestowed on her for her numerous unquantifiable contributions toward the development of her home town.

5)A former Director General and Permanent Secretary in the Oyo State Civil Service

6)One of the first set of Iseyin District Grammar School Iseyin, Oyo State, She was made a school prefect for the leadership role she exhibited as a young lady.

7)A graduate of Economics from the prestigious University of Lagos, Nigeria

8)She later graduated with a Master degree in Development finance from university of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

9)She worked as an Administrative Officer in Lagos Civil Service for 13 Consecutive years

10)She was the Proprietress of Grand ma’s Creche, a day care center in Lagos

11)She was a distributor and a retailer of daily need products.

                   An opinion poll conducted during and after the humongous party organized to honor “Iya”. Some personalities that were interview gave hilarious and thought provoking comments which aptly described her traits and characteristics.

                   “As I have grown from being a child to an adult, my memories of your impact in my life are good and too numerous to recount here. Beyond anything else, you and Baba taught us the importance of building a life of a faith, love, tolerance and service” – Engineer Akinola Ogundare the first son of the celebrant.

                    Pastor Rolake Adedara, in her own contribution remarked that “She taught my 5 siblings and I what genuine love strength, commitment, sacrifice and determination mean…. Nurtured us to her best ability….encourage us to never relent in accomplishing our dreams.

                    Bola Musiwa stated that “Mama is a woman who is graced in all areas of life. A friend and daughter of the most high. An epitome of humility, love and care. A prayer warrior who never ceases to pray for us. A great support and pillar of strength. A giver and enduring soul. We your children arise and call you blessed”.

                  Mrs Lamide Adeleye in her own poetic eulogy described Mama this way: “Then a dutiful political appointee, firm, diligent loving and incorruptible of faith that is indestructible”.

                 Tomiwa Ogundare, “MR ROBOSCANDAL”in his characteristic manner of being casual and brief said, “Iya!!! Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, for your prayers and for teaching me the way to discover happiness inside the saddest of times. I am really grateful to you for all sacrifices you had to make for me.

                   Monilola Ogundare Osho fondly addressed as “Amoks baby” succinctly summarized Mama’s attributes with ten cogent points:

*Living her best life in colors.

*The lawyer that didn’t study law

*Current

*Wise

*Sounding board

 *Prayerful

 *Giver

*Best jollof maker

                Professor Tunji Akinyemi, the elder brother of the celebrator in his own remark acknowledge that “You have always paid attention to the welfare of all of us. Your roles and responsibilities in the extended family are well appreciated. You have contributed to strengthening relationships among all of us especially after the death of our father about 18 years ago.

                 Tunde Ajibike in his own response affirmed that Mrs Ogundare is “A woman held in high regard by colleagues, friends and associates. A very resourceful and progressive pragmatist who made most of her opportunities. She is the immediate younger sister of my mother. She has been playing the role of a surrogate mother to me and my siblings since the demise of her sister in 2016. Without mincing words, she has been of immense help and profoundly supportive in all ramifications.

                  Dr Moyosore Adegbite Abake Williams, a childhood friend and Chief bridesmaid of the celebrant made this awesome and impressive comment about her; “Her home usually witnessed a high traffic of visiting extended family members, friends and even visitors from out of the country. Omotayo is big hearted and compassionate. She opens her home, her kitchen and gives her time cheerfully. My friend has always been very hardworking and was amply rewarded in her diligence”.

                  The elated and exhilarated celebrant was full of gratitude to all the eminent personalities that graced the occasion.

                   “My prayer for all of you is that the Lord will continue to guide and guard you in all your endeavors in your time of needs, you will not lack helpers. To my grandchildren my prayer for you is that you will make good and godly choices in life. To all my family members and friends who have come to rejoice with us, sounds of rejoicing will never depart from your habitations in Jesus name. SHALOM”

                   Mummy, thank you for being such an awesome role model for all of us, you will always be our biggest inspiration.

                  May this special day bring you joy, happiness and precious memories.

                                                              CONGRATULATION MA!!!

CREDIT SOURCE

‘TUNDE AJIBIKE

Tegbe flags off campaign with church service; seeks greater involvement in politics

The Senatorial Candidate of the People's Democratic Party for Oyo South Senatorial District, Mogaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has challenged Nigerians from all walks of life, especially God fearing citizens, to join political parties and show greater interest in the selection of leaders.

Tegbe made the statement at First Baptist Church, Igboora where he joined worshippers in service at First Baptist Church Igboora, to flag off his campaign activities

In remarks, he charged Christians and other God-fearing Nigerians to get involved in the politics of the country and the state, as it is the best possible way to get the country back on the right track. 

Tegbe, whose Flag-off was sequeal to Inauguration of the state campaign by Governor Seyi Makinde, was accompanied by members of his campaign team which included of Clergies Deacons, Evangelists and even Sheikhs. 

Mogaji Tegbe expressed his happiness at the opportunity to start campaign activities in the presence of the Lord, and the reception he received from the congregation which was filled to the brim. 

He added that he only saw the church yesterday when he was coming back from the flagoff of campaign at Ibarapa  and he decided to worship there today. 

He added that as an Anglican who believes in the oneness of believers, he was led to worship at the church when he drove past yesterday, likening himself to Zaccheus who claimed a tree to see Jesus. He concluded that he has been inspired by the sermon and the rendition by the choir.

He solicited the support of the Church members for all PDP candidates led by Engr Seyi Makinde. He also made an handsome donation to the development of the church, and a separate donation to the choir

The Church Pastor, Revd O.B Oloyede appreciated Tegbe for identifying with the body of Christ. He prayed for the success of PDP candidate in the forthcoming Senatorial elections, and wished the delegation a safe stay in Ibarapa region, and a safe return back to their base.

CELEBRATING SIJUOLA, A PRAGMATIST SPORTS ADMINISTRATOR OF HIGH REPUTE

 

   Birthdays are a new start, a fresh beginning and a time to pursue new endeavours with a new goals. A period to move forward with courage. You are a very special person. May today and all your days be amazing. Congratulations.

   Mr SIJUOLA Moses Abiola popularly and fondly called "Sijama" was born on 7th January. He hails from Owotoro town in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. This distinguished gentleman started his career as a classroom teacher more than two decades ago. He has taught in many primary and secondary schools and his students testified to his pedagogical skills. This graduate of Physical and Health Education from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University has passion for sports and sporting activities, hence, he was motivated to seek transfer of service to work as Sports Organiser at the Oyo State Sports Council. Ibadan.

   Thereafter, he served diligently in various capacities at different directorates of the Council, namely :

   1 Sports Secretary of the Oyo State Table Tennis Association., Weightlifting and Cricket

    2. Eruwa Zonal Officer

     3 Assistant Secretary Oyo State Football Association 2007-- 2010.

   4 He was appointed a football Commissioner for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

By the grace of God today, he is the Director of Sports Facilities. A department that is saddled with the responsibility of providing adequate maintenance of the infrastructures and office facilities within the stadium.

     According to SIJUOLA he derives pleasure in playing the round leather game. He is also a committed and adept player of Volley Ball. He participated in National Advance Colleges of Education Games Association (NACEGA) held at the Federal College of Education, Katsina in 1992 and his team won Silver Medal.

   Similarly, he also participated in the Public Service Games along with Oyo State contingents held in Minna, Niger State. The team that represented Oyo State came back home VICTORIOUS with Silver Medals.

   This multitalented sportsman plays varoious games, like football, table tennis, volley ball and cricket. Without mincing words, his ingenuity and proficiency is very rare.

    He has attended and participated in many National Sports Festivals and National Youth Games in Nigeria in recent time. He is desirous of bringing up some innovative ideas that will not only reposition the sport sector but it will also serve as a veritable platform to further generate revenue for the state government.

   His hobbies include, listening to Music and local and international news on the electronic media. The adventurous sports guru loves travelling and holidaying at the tourists attractions and monumental bays.

   A very sociable personality that derives pleasure in celebrating with friends, neighbours, colleagues and relations. He is an " Afeniferere per excellence"

        Sijama is a gentleman of highest grade with excellent and good character. He is a dependable and trustworthy sportsman. He fraternizes with young, old and elderly.

     "I reasonably believe that SIJUOLA is and has always remained a true friend to all his numerous friends rather than being a FIEND" 

    He is in a class of his own, a personality so sublime, so lofty, so noble minded, so egalitarian.  

   By my own personal assessment, having closely associated with him Mr Moses SIJUOLA is a man with a very large heart, he is innately good.

   Today, I celebrate this exceptional sports administrator, remarkable worker of unrivalled qualities, motivator of men and a visionary director.

   May your days ahead be fulfilled, amen.

   Happy birthday to a jolly good fellow. How old are you now ?

   CONGRATULATIONS, THE GREAT SIJAMA

CREDIT SOURCE

TUNDE AJIBIKE

Director ( Media and Communications)