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Kesington Adebutu: The Man On A Mission To Revive Grassroots Football In Nigeria

Published

5 years ago

January 16, 2021

Over the years, grassroots football in Nigeria has suffered untold hardship due to the absence of reliable and competent corporate sponsorship.

Every big company or corporate bodies have their attention fixed on the NPFL or the Super Eagles, obviously because they want instant mileage and recognition.

The Nigeria National League, NNL, and the Nationwide League One, NLO have gone caps in hands begging for sponsors to keep the leagues afloat and kudos must be giving to the likes of Bet9ja owned by the chairman of Remo Stars Football Club, Kunle Soname.

It is on record that they single-handedly sponsored the NNL for two seasons.

Expectations rose to the heavens when the chairman/CEO of Nilayo sports company, Bukola Olopade was appointed Chief Executive officer of the league. Many were confident that based on his track records, the NNL will experience a new lease of life.

That was exactly what happened as Nilayo sports marketing agency set the ball rolling from day one as the sponsors came in, in their numbers. However, the politics of Nigerian football coupled with the behind the scene maneuverings forced the CEO to quit after just a few months in office.

His departure left the league in total shambles. There were not willing sponsors and those already in, left without a formal goodbye.

Then just last year, the chairman of the league board and member of the executive committee of the NFF, Chidi Okenwa died leaving the nation in a rude shock.

His exit meant there was a vacancy to be filled and the NFF in their wisdom went for a willing ally, a man who as chairman of Senate committee of sports for over 6years has failed to stamp his authority or make a mark for all to see or appreciate.

So to many, it was a big surprise to see that the NNL Congress held in his home town of Abakaliki on Friday started with some ray of hope as another betting company was unveiled as title sponsors of the league.

Unfortunately, today’s ceremony was without the usual fanfare befitting for an event of this magnitude.

This is because the organizers were shy of publicity or didn’t want the media to ask probing questions regarding the full details of the deal and what it has for the clubs.

From the outside, many will want to use this opportunity to once again thank the honorable minister of youth and sports, Mr. Sunday Dare who has continuously emphasized the need to develop sports at the grassroots. In his commitment and drive to actualize this dream, he promised to revive Nigeria’s sporting facilities and started off with the Moshood Abiola international stadium in Abuja, the Katsina stadium in Daura, and the National Stadium in Lagos.

Africa’s richest man and renowned businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has promised to finish rehabilitation work at the Moshood Abiola international stadium before the end of the first quarter of 2021 while Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, a very close friend and ally to Mr. Sunday Dare has rolled out the wheels in Lagos as work is in top gear.

Many are quick to suggest that the Sports minister has helped to increase private and corporate sponsors’ passion and love for Nigeria sports. The Oyo state was born former journalist turn politician is a no-nonsense result driven and passionate man who will stop at nothing but the best.

It will therefore not be a surprise that Dare who at one point rose in support of the women’s league when they went caps in hands begging for support ahead of the season-opening congress has used his connections to once again bail the NNL from obvious collapse.

We only hope that the league organizers will leverage this support and give the sponsors the expected mileage that will give them joy and the zeal to hang on for a long time.

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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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