In a nation where distinguished individuals are bestowed with national honors to commemorate their notable contributions to political, social, and economic development, concerns have arisen regarding the selection process, particularly within the sports sector. Former footballers and coaches who have graced the fields of Lagos state and represented the various national football teams have united in a resolute effort to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to grant deserving recognition and national honors to exceptional sports philanthropists and investors.
Chief Adewale Teluwo, a renowned philanthropist and highly successful businessman, emerges as a prominent figure in their plea. Chief Teluwo, who founded and sponsored teams such as Ibukun Oluwa FC and Obanta United of Ogun State, alongside VIP Insurance, Frontliners FC, and Verobim Queens of Lagos State, has made unparalleled contributions by nurturing talent that has graced the ranks of the Nigerian national teams.
Speaking passionately about their collective mission to ensure their mentor is honored as a patriot and nation builder, former captain of Obanta United and ex-Nigerian international, Godwin Okpara, opines that Chief Teluwo unquestionably merits recognition and celebration from the Federal Government of Nigeria. Okpara highlights Chief Teluwo’s profound and enduring contributions to the country’s development through the medium of football.
Echoing the sentiment for the Federal Government to acknowledge and bestow national honors upon this esteemed philanthropist and accomplished businessman, Victor Ehimen Ighedosa, a prominent former footballer and one of the beneficiaries of Chief Teluwo’s teams, who achieved the distinction of being the first Nigerian to play in Qatar, expresses that no tribute could ever be excessive when it comes to celebrating Chief Teluwo.
Notable Nigerian players and coaches who have been associated with teams established by Chief Teluwo include the late coaches Kolawole Henry Olalere, Joe Erico, Alhaji Amusa Shittu, Olu Onagoruwa, Prince Akin Ladigbolu, and Gideon Njoku. Other luminaries include Fanny Amun, James Peters, Gbenga Ogunbote, and Kromah Doe, among several others.
The list of players who attained stardom through Chief Teluwo’s various clubs reads like a constellation of football greatness. Godwin Okpara, Pastor Taribo West, Victor Ehimen Ighedosa, Akeem Ogunlade, Festus Odini, Segun Fetuga, Taiwo Enegwa, Bode Babington, Edwin Eke, the late James Enagwuna, the late Manga Mohammed, Chuks Akuneto, and Sunday Ilevbare, among an extensive array of others, have all flourished under Chief Teluwo’s guidance.
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As the nation awaits the discerning eye of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the sports community eagerly anticipates the recognition of Chief Adewale Teluwo’s exceptional contributions to Nigerian football. The unwavering support of ex-players and stakeholders lends further weight to the growing chorus demanding that Chief Teluwo be honored with a national distinction, underscoring the undeniable impact he has made in shaping the future of Nigerian football.
May the hallowed halls of recognition open their doors to a deserving sports philanthropist, and may the nation’s gratitude be expressed through the presentation of a national honor to Chief Adewale Teluwo, an emblem of excellence in Nigerian football.
