Presidential chief of staff, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila’s sports officer, Eric Olanrewaju Otinwa has showered encomiums on products of Community Action Through Sport (CATS) for staging a mini-competition in honour of their late coach, Hyacienth Nkwocha.
Sports247 gathered that Honourable Otinwa pushed aside his busy schedule in Abuja and an impending trip to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations for him to be part of the memorial competition on Sunday at Legacy Pitch of Lagos National Stadium, Surulere.
Incidentally, Otinwa, who was previously a councillor in Surulere local government, had earlier been a player and later an official of CATS, which was headquartered at K. Kotun Mrmorisl School off Bode Thomas Street, while sponsored by The British Council for ten years.
He disclosed in a press statement released by the secretary-general of Nigerian Grassroots Football Federation (NGFF), Pastor Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel that he was happy with the revived interactions and cordial reunion that Sunday’s event accorded him, while also reviving memories of ideas they all shared with Coach Hyacienth during their days together at CATS.
Otinwa, who is the author of ‘Council Autonomy & Grassroots Governance,’ disclosed in his press release that he was inspired to give out free copies of his book to the esteemed personalities he had the pleasure of meeting once again after several years of separation due to their various personal endeavours.
He stated at length: “My beloved CATS Family, it was indeed an overwhelming pleasure reconnecting with all of you whom I had the privilege of training many years back, and creating time to honor the memory of our late coach, a man who shaped us into the champions we are today.
“I saw faces that I could hardly recognize, and many that I remembered so vividly. I was truly touched and emotionally overwhelmed to meet so many of you, and I must say that I am ecstatic to see you all thriving, healthy, and living life to the fullest!
“Not a single one of you looks like they’ve had it rough – no sickness, no mental struggles, just pure joy and success!
“I had the honour of meeting Mr. Femi Fasetire, Pastor Oscar Ezinwa, Coach Yisa, and Coach Sunny Epochi. I must say that it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I’m grateful to have worked with each and every one of you.
“I’m thrilled to offer a copy of my book to these four incredible individuals. Many thanks to the organizers of the event – you truly did an amazing job! My suggestion is that we make this an annual celebration, a time to reunite, reminisce, and recharge.
“In fact, I’m so inspired that I’ve decided to give six additional copies of my book to the family. The 10 copies will be handed over to Savage (the event coordinator) for proper delivery.
“Once more, I am honoured and humbled to be part of this incredible family. Thank you for allowing me to be one of you. Warm regards.”
