Thanks to the support of the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, the governments of Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Rivers State, friends and family, the celebration of the life of Best Ogedegbe, MON, will take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, next week. Arrangements are in progress to give him a truly befitting burial.

Being a part of the arrangements for the event has completely humbled me and brought more forcefully to the fore our fragile mortality and the inevitability of our passages when the appointed time comes. It also draws into our remembrance so many of us that have already departed and whom we hardly give a thought to except when we occasionally run into those they left behind. We must create an institution that will make it possible to recall who we are and our past contributions to our sector and cause, so that we are never forgotten and confined to the dustbin of history. I recall our comrades with a great deal of fondness: the joys we shared, the pain we endured together, our football and social exploits, all the good times, as well as the poor times. I recall Tunde Bamidele whom I went to bring to Ibadan from his parents’ home in Yola. I recall Alloysius Atuegbu and our growing up years in Jos. I recall Martins Eyo, from our Polytechnic days when we both played for school and country and the family bond that grew from that with his siblings and in–laws that have now become my family. I recall Muda Lawal from our days and movements from Housing Corporation to WNDC to the Green Eagles to his marriage to my best friend’s sister and our close family ties after that. We must do something to immortalise that whole generation whilst we still have the time by God’s grace to do so!

I recall Ogidi Ibeabuchi, Adekunle Awesu, Sunday Akande, Abai Adeleye, Kafaru Alabi, Layiwola Olagbemiro, and so many other great patriots from football that have departed! May they continue to rest in Peace!

segunodegbami@hotmail.com