Featured

Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ 50th birthday celebration: A Man from Grass to Grace and a “Laissez Faire” advocate

Published

5 years ago

May 23, 2020

By Olaoluwa Aro

Few years ago, May 23, 1970 was a day off for people residing in the area where a King of Grassroots football development in Nigeria was birthed. This was the moppet that became Comrade Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’, which I nicknamed as “Jesu ti oni igee”, meaning Jesus without big a chest.

Upon his arrival into this miasmal world, herald angels went around the nation to announce the arrival of this small king and of course, his news was therapeutic for everyone in that community, as it created atmosphere of endless joy whilst receiving the news.

In fact, eye witnessess confirmed that even witches and wizards, naysayers and other unauthorized messsgers bowed because Fresh came into this with heaven’s factory- fitted anointing of greatness. In other words, Ahmed Yusuf was behallowed by almighty Allah, so nefarious beings had to be “Still” because his case was thou shalt not touch my anointed Man; reason Fresh has been a mystery for evil plotters from gestation period.

Is Ahmed Fresh a Man from Grass to Grace? Oh yes, he’s, base on his life’s journey(s) thus far:

He hails from a family that values proper Education thus, it would be immature for people to postulate, Fresh didn’t go to school as I consider it Bunkum. Authoritatively, Ahmed fresh passed through the Pedagogy of quality Education, from Chiroma primary school to Government day Secondary school- both in Minna, Niger state . Fresh is someone with foresight, he didn’t hesitate to further more on his Education, as he attended Kaduna State Polytechnic where he acquired knowledge in “Quantity Surveyor”

Ahmed Yusuf in football industry :

The “F” in his alias stands for Football, this is connected to why he derives pleasure in developing football Talent(s) at the grassroot level. The Golden Jubilee Ahmed Yusuf became Niger State Football Association outset of Millennium (year 2000). Prior to this period, Football administrators and stakeholders in the Power State have besieged his home countless times where people continuously bespeak him to come pilot the affairs of football structures in Niger State.

Ahmed Fresh was having inertia towards such request but it was not as though, he is paranoia agent, however he believes God does his wonders accurately; Hence, he decided to leave his Cocoon and those with inalienable Rights-enthroned him as the State’s football chairman.

Little bit of Fresh Air in Niger State Football Association:

Ahmed Fresh moves about with Pod that contains action in motion. He understood that, becoming the head of football house means, you must be a Supreme thinker. So, he set up a Committee that was charged with identifying the encumbrance(s) of Niger State Football Association and its structures.

Having explored what truly went wrong, this Committee of deep thinkers came up with their findings and of course, Fresh as a critical thinker agreed to work on what was given to him and even added his own magistral solutions for the maladies discovered in Niger State Football environment.

There are over 22 Local Government(s) in Niger State with Eight (8) Emirates council. As an intelligent person, he created chain(s) of football developmental programs for all the 8 Emirates in the Power State and that gave birth to different football talents in his State. He uses football to preach Unity all over Niger State because he’s a Freshman with toga of Peace.

Jagaban of Nigeria Football Federation :

Ahmed Yusuf is one of the three star General(s) in Nigeria Football Federation hierarchical structures. We have renowned Football administrator, Chief Felix Anyasi Agu from Abia and also Honorable Yahaya Suleiman Kwande representative of Jos. Historically, these are the three Musketeers in Nigeria football systems chronologically.

Comrade Ahmed Yusuf has been nominated for appointment at Confederation of Africa Football ( CAF), as a member of Technical and Development Committee for sixth term, 12 years of serving African Football.

He had Served as Chairman in various Committees at Nigeria football federation: inter Alia; Committee of Youth Development in NFF. Referees Appointment Committee, Match Commissioners Appointment Committee, Technical and Development Committee and as a Strategist at one point, he was the Vice Chairman Strategy Committee et al.

My aim is not to bore my readers, football administrators, stakeholders and Ahmed Yusuf (Fresh) community of friends but to make his 50th birthday celebration a fulfilling day; which should allow the whole world to know Fresh’s personality. Let me say this, to those who know Fresh remotely, and have illegitimately deduced his personality. For the record, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh is not a proud person neither is he infallible.

He’s a Self effacing personality, not a Sociopath but a Socializer. For his persona, he’s a patriot, and very passionate about moving Nigeria football systems forward, sufficient to say, Fresh is not a Psychopath.

Today is your birthday, I wish you well, a complete Nigerian who never stopped exhibition of his altruistic nature to people from different Ethnic groups, Religious beliefs in Nigeria and globally.

Unknown facts, Fresh is “Laissez -Faire” kind of person. He minds his business and wants everyone to succeed. You are celebrating your 50th birthday in good health condition, I know the wind of life is changing you from who you are but don’t let the society configure you wrongly.

You are a Freshman, you should be in control of Air, I want you to be the Airbender. No doubt, the responsibility of being a leading figure can be staggering but every great man has tripped. This is not a problem but it becomes a permanent challenge when you remain on the floor.

Remember that, Every king was a crying baby Boy and every Queen was a crying baby Girl. bear in mind that, my note of Eulogy is not a Syrupy.

Happy birthday to SARDAUNA KWALLON of Nigeria Football.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

Share on Facebook