Former top striker for Green Eagles of Nigeria, Segun
Odegbami is in great joy. The ex- international footballer and former Chairman
of Worldwide Sports Ltd has been blessed with a federal government approval to own
a radio station. And this according to him, is coming after seventeen years of
waiting.
An elated Segun Odegbami, who earned the nickname ‘mathematical
Odegbami’ in his heydays of playing football for Nigeria, quickly started
calling friends to share his joy with them.
Segun Odegbami says that it comes after 17 years of
waiting. “I was determined not to force it by doing anything illegal, or
corrupt, or immoral inorder to get it, because I believed it is a dream whose fulfillment
I also believed should come only because the authorities agree it is merited. So,
for all of 17 years I have watched in some shock and amazement as licenses were
being flunged around the country like confetti at a marriage to every Tom, Dick
and Harry.
Even those that did not apply for it were gifted. Several Nigerians got multiple licenses, products of connections and man-know-man. In all this swarm only one license was approved in seventeen years in a country of some 180 million people, passionate and 'crazy' about sports.
Even those that did not apply for it were gifted. Several Nigerians got multiple licenses, products of connections and man-know-man. In all this swarm only one license was approved in seventeen years in a country of some 180 million people, passionate and 'crazy' about sports.
“The few persons that I invited to join me in setting
up a second sports radio station in Nigeria, a year or so after the first was
granted, were also influential, but for some reason they also allowed things to
run their course because they assumed a license was a sure deal and would be
approved for me by government with ease and pleasure. So, they did nothing to
facilitate or accelerate the process.”
Segun Odegbami went on to give kudos to the Buhari
administration that eventually saw the need to grant him a sports radio license.
“In the dispensation of President Muhammadu Buhari, the
elements are unfolding their divine conspiracy. In a grand drama of life many
things have started to come together (needless to list them here), and the most
unexpected interventions are taking place, most of which I definitely know
nothing about. That's why my greatest gratitude goes to my Father, the Creator
of the Universe.
“I thank President Muhammadu Buhari (I doubt that he is
even aware of what he did); the DG of the NBC, Kaawu Modibo; the Hon. Minister
of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr.
Sunday Dare; the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former DG of the
NBC, Mallam Dankadi Bako; Ambassador Mamman Yusuf; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; SA
to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina; and many others that may have had a hand or
a prayer in making my 17-year dream (to join my friend, Dr. Larry Izamoje of
Brila Sports FM) to operate the second, the biggest, boldest and best Sports
Radio station in Africa, become reality.” He added.
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