Author: Moruff O. Balogun,Esq.
Vice Chairman, NBA Ijebu Ode branch.

Introduction: The perennially settled expression that “history is an echo of the past in the future, a reflex from the future on the past” came to my mind when the news of our daughter Tobi Amusan dominated the media.

The archives of history also reveal that the pull, the attraction of history, is in our human nature. What makes us tick? Why do we do what we do? How much is luck the deciding factor? Are all important considerations in his instant case.

History also reports that the men who can manage men manage the men who can manage only things, and the men who can manage money manage all.

If will offend history and humanity as a while if few words are not put on paper to over and again reiterate and tell the whole world the impactful impacts of a one-time Governor of Ogun State who took sports generally to the limelight in the gateway state.

History has it; and I equally recall vividly that before the election and emergence of His Excellency Otunba Gbenga Daniel as the executive Governor of Ogun State in 2003, the state knew almost nothing about Sports generally. Hence, the need to eulogize the man.

SPORTING ACTIVITIES IN OGUN STATE BEFORE 2003.
For some of us who were born and bred in Ogun State ; Ijebu Ode in particular would agree without more that our horizon as per sports generally (International level) was genuinely limited before 2003.

Then, reliance was always placed on what we read on the pages of newspapers or watched on Television to analyze issues bothering on sports and sporting activities in Ogun State.

All the stadia and other government owned sport centers in Ogun State were in the state of shamble.
The distance between sports generally (international level) and Ogun State before 2003 could be likened to the distance between the heaven and the earth.

To some of us who grew up in Ijebu; unless for those who would like to economize the truth, anytime the word stadium was mentioned then, we mostly thought of probably execution of convicts sentenced to death under Military government.
Most parents perceived stadium in Ijebu Ode for example as a no go area for their wards. It became home for men of the underworld.

OGD GOVERNMENT AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES IN OGUN STATE
In 2003, an election into the office of the Governor of Ogun State was conducted and winner emerged.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel, OGD, as he is popularly called in political circles emerged as the Governor of Ogun State in 2003, and also won the 2007 election too making him a two-term governor in Ogun State.

The history has it that OGD picked sports and sporting activities in Ogun State from gutter, and took it to the limelight in such a way that the attentions of world’s sports giants were hugely drawn to Ogun State.

The construction of three [3] world class stadia and the upgrading of Ijebu Ode stadium to FIFA Standard was witnessed even by the blind under the administration of OGD as the Governor of Ogun State.
For the first time in history of our dear gateway state, Ogun State successfully hosted National Sports Festival, and even some of the World Soccer tournament took place in Ogun State (UNDER 17 World Cup).

The good templates created by the former Governor of Ogun State OGD undoubtedly geared up the participations of youth in Ogun State in sporting activities.
Many of our youth are now being exposed to modern facilities for trainings as footballers, athletes e.t.c meeting world standard.

Our own Tobi Amusan who just emerged winner in 100m hurdles to become the first Nigerian World Champion ever is undoubtedly one of the beneficiaries of good works done by Otunba Gbenga Daniel in creating and promoting conducive atmosphere for sporting activities in Ogun State.

The availability of a world class stadium known as and called Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State and other training facilities therein aided the accomplishment of Tobi Amusan’s destiny as the newest world heroine.
She and her colleagues were severally sighted using the said facilities for trainings day and night.

It is therefore pertinent to remember a man who worked and ensured structures were put in place to allow the youth of Ogun State to triumph in the area of sports.

Ogun state today has facilities for all forms of sports, and we can boldly beat our chests to say that no any other Governor was responsible other than Otunba Gbenga Daniel. If you disagree, you may bring your records. His administration successfully used sports as tools for development in the state.

ADVICE TO OTHER GOVERNORS:
After the completion of OGD’s second term in office in 2011, another election took place which ushered in a new Governor then. The said new Governor equally used two-term in office as the executive Governor of Ogun State, but up till now, we are still searching for the reasons why the subsequent Governor after OGD jettisoned sports industry in Ogun State.

All the world class stadia and the one upgraded to meet international standard are suffering from maintenance. Where is the maintenance culture in our leaders?

We urge Governors across the states in Nigeria to not only celebrate the champions but also involve in the process of making the champions.
Many Nigerian youth are talented and highly energetic, but platforms to showcase potentials are rarely available. We urge our leaders to do the needful.

ADVICE TO THE YOUTH
In advising our teeming youth, I will only repeat what Tobi Amusan wrote on Twitter on November 7, 2016, that “Unknown now, but soon I will be UNFORGETTABLE… I will persist until I SUCCEED”.

Nigerian youths are encouraged and advised to keep trying their best for there is also a light at the end of every tunnel.

Thanks for reading.

Author: Moruff O. Balogun,Esq.
Vice Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ijebu Ode branch.
08052871414/09121207712
[email protected].