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"DON'T JOKE WITH EDUCATION" - EDFA CHAIRMAN ADVISES EPE YOUTHS

Football is one of the world's most watched game and its relevance in the youth development and recreation is not negotiable. The Chairman, Epe Divisional Football Association(EDFA) - Mr. Segun Oshinaike highlighted some of his actions and inactions in the development of the sport in Epe and its environs in this interview with our Correspondent, Joy Udoh.

Excerpts.

HOW MAY WE KNOW YOU SIR?

My name is Mr. Segun Oshinaike. I'm the current chairman, Epe Divisional Football Association (EDFA).

WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF FOOTBALL IN EPE NOW?

To be sincere, we are currently were we weren't yesteryears. Globally, the damage caused by COVID-19 is not yet over. It really affected all spheres of life. We only have our meetings and seminars online and activities are gradually returning to the field after the relaxation of the lockdown nationwide. We are in October now, nothing tangible can be achieved unless next year.

WHAT ARE YOUR POST COVID-19 PLANS FOR FOOTBALL IN EPE?

We are ready for all our proposed matches. We have our forms ready. We are prepared to have our draws immediately the state further relaxes the ban on physical contacting and other recreational activities. Our planned competitions include among others; Epe Alaro League, Chairman's cup, School League, Idera Dee Football Competition and Street Soccer Competition.

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE OUR YOUTHS TO FURTHER ENGAGE WITH FOOTBALLING?

Yes. Football is a game which has its international recognition now. In Nigeria, it's like a religion. People worship it now. It's a means of livelihood. It unites us as a nation. It's being liked by all. Footballers are now getting acknowledged day by day. The likes of Mikel Obi, Messi, Ronaldo are being imitated and immortalised all over the world. Young footballers want to be like them. No where in Epe now, open and hidden, you will find children playing football. It's just becoming the only game everybody loves to participate in.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR AS THE EDFA CHAIRMAN?

I earlier said this. We have changed the narratives as far as football is concerned in Epe since I assumed the chairmanship over 10 years ago. Before I became the chairman, football in Epe was never like this. We are everywhere now. On the social media, print media, television stations, radio stations etc.This is my third term as the chairman. My first term was easier than the two others because of the way the game was embraced by all and sundry. As we speak, we've organized over one hundred (100) competitions since I took the mantle of leadership.
Apart from the competitions,at the state end, there's no meeting or discussion on football which I'm not always part of. These are things that people used to shy away from. Before I became the chairman, the board does not have a bank account, but now we run a corporate bank account. There's no activity on football that I'm not part of. I'm the only right channel in the division. I have representatives and coordinators in all the five (5) LGAs which make up the division. I have built a succession plan which can accommodate about 10 qualified people if I decide to step down now.
I have collected many trophies, medals and awards more than any other EDFA chairman in history.

HOW DO YOU COMBINE SCHOOL PRINCIPALSHIP FOOTBALL CHAIRMANSHIP?

Both have been herculean and easy. It's easy in the sense that I have various board members both in the academics and sports. They assist me immensely in carrying out my dual duties.
I have 3 vice-principals in the school with a lot of senior teachers. Ultimately, God has really blessed me with responsible teachers. With them all, the journey has been very smooth.
While on the other side, sometimes meetings and activities clash. With my God-given wisdom, I manage both dutifully and efficiently. My academic duties come first while others follow.

HAVE YOU BEEN RECEIVING SUPPORT FROM PHILANTHROPISTS TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN EPE?

Glory be to God. I need to first of all appreciate some of the prominent personalities who's been supporting and sponsoring our missions and vision. Permit me to give kudos to the likes of Hon. Tobun Abiodun, The Paramount Rulers of Epe, Hon. Adeyemi ikuforiji, late Chief Lanre Rasak, Hon. Segun Agbaje, the incumbent chairman of Epe Local Government, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and many more of them for their efforts so far.
But yet, I still want to plead with other philanthropists to kindly join other well-meaning people so that we can achieve more. We really need to take the youths off the streets.

WHY DID YOU HAVE THIS STRONG PASSION FOR SPORTS?

Well, I grew up in a low class environ in surulere.
So, I've been a sport person since I was young as we were always out on the street engaging in one activity or the other. But had a very deciplined parents who made sure that my education never suffered. By the time I had to further my education, I had the opportunity to study Physical and Health Education in LASU. From there,my mentality changed. I have lost count on number of times I repeated classes in my primary school days. When I finished my secondary school, I had to wait for about 3-4 years before I could gain admission into the university. Sport has made me dine and wine with Kings and I've also traveled to different countries on sporting activities.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE UP-COMING TALENTS IN EPE?

What I've always been preaching is that education must not suffer regardless of your talent .
Your education must be in pari-passu with your talent. As a footballer, I played football almost all my life and after I clocked about 35-40 years, I couldn't do much again so I had to fall back to education. Make name with your sporting talent, but give your education the needed priority.

Education is key !!!

(Epe News Newspaper)