The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has joined the football community to celebrate the former Director-General of the state’s Sports Commission and former head of the Pro-League Department of the Nigeria Football Association, Dr. Steve Olarinoye on his 70th birthday.
Governor Abdulrazaq in a statement by his lress secretary, described Dr. Olarinoye has a valued leader and administrator in the sports sector, especially football, where his contributions remain indelible for generations to come.
The Governor wished Dr. Olarinoye long life in good health and happiness.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Pillar of Sports, Prince Oladimeji Thompson, has called on the sports fraternity in Nigeria to honor Dr Olarinoye for his immense contributions to the development of sports in the country.
Thompson made this impassioned appeal during the 70th birthday celebration of Dr. Steve Olarinoye in Ilorin on Saturday.
The sports philanthropist, who has long been a leading figure in Nigeria’s sports scene, emphasised that Olarinoye’s efforts should not go unrecognised.
“I have known Dr Steve Olarinoye for a very long time; he is a social person who has dedicated most of his life to sports,” Thompson said.
“He has been a pillar in the development of sports across the nation, and his efforts cannot be overlooked. The time to celebrate this unsung hero is now, not when he is gone.”
Thompson further highlighted the sacrifices Olarinoye has made for Nigeria, recounting the physical toll his dedication to sports has taken.
“This is a man who has suffered numerous accidents while serving Nigeria in so many capacities,” Thompson continued.
“Despite the setbacks, he has never wavered in his commitment to sports and the development of young athletes.”
The CEO of Henry George Hotel stressed that honoring Olarinoye while he is still alive is crucial, as his contributions continue to inspire others.
“We must not wait for tragedy to strike before we appreciate those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes,” Thompson asserted.
“Dr. Olarinoye has given so much to this country, and it is only right that we celebrate him now”.
“It is essential that we honor those who have given everything for the betterment of our sports industry and our nation as a whole”, he adadded.
Also celebrating the sports guru, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Kwara State Chapter, has recalled his remarkable achievements as he marks his 70th birthday.
In a statement issued by Mallam Ayodeji Ismail, Chairman of SWAN Kwara, the association described Dr Olarinoye’s legacy as “a testament to dedication, leadership, and a profound love for sports.”
The chapter noted that his 70 years of life are a reflection of an individual who has continuously sought to create opportunities, uplift communities, and transform the sports sector.
“As Dr Steve Olarinoye celebrates this monumental milestone of 70 years, we salute his immense contributions to sports development in Kwara State and Nigeria at large. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of sports enthusiasts, administrators, and athletes for years to come,” the statement read.
Kwara SWAN described Dr Olarinoye as a pillar of sports development in the state and beyond, whose contributions have shaped the landscape of Nigerian sports for decades.
“His vision and leadership have not only helped elevate the profile of sports in Kwara but have also contributed to the overall progress of the sector in the country”, said SWAN.
Dr Olarinoye, who has spent several decades at the forefront of sports administration, is widely respected for his unwavering commitment to the growth and improvement of sports infrastructure, athlete development, and the promotion of grassroots sports across the state.
Through his efforts, numerous athletes have received opportunities to thrive in their respective disciplines, and sports in Kwara have become a significant force to reckon with in the nation.
SWAN Kwara further celebrated the occasion by sending their best wishes to Dr Olarinoye, hoping that he continues to enjoy good health, success, and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.
Crediblenewsng.com
