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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.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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