Family, friends, old school mates, associates, royalties and sportsmen and women, from far and near on Saturday January 4th, 2024, converged at Febbies Suites Hall, Monishola Street, off Awolowo Road, Tanke, Ilorin to celebrate the 70th birthday of Dr. Steve Abiodun Olarinoye in grandstyle.
The colourful gathering was also to celebrate reunion on one hand, reflection on the past, especially the triumph over challenges of life and work, and above all, the celebration of life being spent with multiple impacts.
The gathering speaks volume of absolute reflection of the life of the celebrant, Dr. Steve Abiodun Olarinoye, whose survival of numerous tribulations on and off duties as a student, teacher, sports personality and now, a retiree made him a celebrity of a sort, and a role model not for his family alone, but in the sports fraternity and beyond. He survived many challenges that would have consumed him and his overall ambition.
The celebration highlighted the life and legacy of Dr Steve Abiodun Olarinoye, a man revered for his contributions to sports, commitment to excellence and development of humanity.
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described him as ‘a valued leader and administrator in the sports sector, especially football, where his contributions remain indelible for generations to come’.
In a release signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam AbdulRazaq joined the football community in Nigeria to celebrate the former Director-General of the State’s Sports Commission and former head of the Pro-League Department of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Dr. Steve Olarinoye on his 70th birthday.
Encomiums were poured on the renowned Omupo-born Sports Administrator and iconic figure, as notable personalities highlighted Dr. Olarinoye’s exemplary qualities and contributions:
Mallam Bola Magaji, Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission described Dr. Olarinoye as a hardworking, thorough, and straightforward individual. Recalling their time together at Government Secondary School, Ilorin in 1972, Magaji said, “He was in Form Four while I was in Form One. Up till today, I still call him Senior”
“He is a unique human being. Hardworking, thorough and straightforward. I thank God for keeping him till today, despite numerous challenges.
Mallam Hammed Adio, an Olympian and Veteran Broadcaster praised Dr. Olarinoye as an educationist par excellence, well-traveled, humble, cosmopolitan, and a goal-getter who has significantly contributed to sports development in Nigeria.
Former Kwara Director of Sports, Mrs. Serah Bola Esan described him as a dedicated and humble individual, an asset not only to Kwara State but to Nigeria as a whole.
“He is a special human being. Very humble and gentle. My contact with him dates back to 1994, after he survived a plane crash. People misunderstood him for his humbleness. Dr. Olarinoye is an asset to Kwara which we didn’t realise.
Kwara Pillar of Sports and former Chairman of Kwara United Football Club, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thomson, noted that Dr. Olarinoye’s unwavering commitment and dedication in various roles have earned him well-deserved accolades, as evidenced by the turnout at his birthday celebration.
Former Director General of the National Sports Commission, Dr Amos Adamu described Dr. Olarinoye as a trusted ally in the sports fraternity.
In a heartfelt tribute, Dr. Adamu spoke fondly of his colleague and friend, reflecting on their years of collaboration and Dr Olarinoye’s remarkable impact on sports in Nigeria.
“Dr Steve Olarinoye is not just a colleague; he is a tested, trusted, and invaluable Sports Administrator,” Dr. Adamu said with a proud smile.
“In all my years of service, particularly during my time at the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Commission, I can honestly say that Dr. Olarinoye was one of the best staff members I had the privilege of working with. His professionalism, dedication, and ability to get things done are qualities I have always admired.”
Dr Adamu went on to highlight the immense value Dr. Olarinoye brought to their collaborative efforts.
“His approach to sports administration was always solution-oriented. Whenever there was a challenge, Dr Olarinoye found a way to turn it into an opportunity. He was a man of action, and his contributions were always forward-thinking,” Dr. Adamu added.
The seasoned Sports Administrator also took the opportunity to urge Dr. Olarinoye to continue sharing his wealth of experience, especially with his home state of Kwara.
“There is so much that Dr. Olarinoye can offer Kwara State. His years of experience in sports administration have equipped him with invaluable insights and knowledge that can contribute significantly to the growth of sports at the grassroots level,” Dr. Adamu said.
“Kwara is a state with tremendous potential, and I have no doubt that with Dr Olarinoye’s leadership, we will see sports in the state reach new heights.”
Dr Adamu expressed strong confidence in Dr Olarinoye’s ability to shape the future of sports in Kwara.
“I believe that Dr. Olarinoye has the vision and expertise to transform the sports landscape in Kwara, just as he has done on the national level. I encourage him to continue his work and share his knowledge with the next generation of sports leaders,” he stated.
The Chairman of the 1973 set of Old Students of Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin, Dr. Abdulraheem Oba Sulaiman, popularly known as Dr. Arewa said he was happy, proud and thankful to God for Dr. Olarinoye.
“He is one of the pride of our set. He is one of the lucky ones. Very loyal, faithful and committed.
The Secretary General of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Mallam Mohammed Haruna Maigidansama described Dr. Olarinoye as a technocrat from whom he learnt many things.
“Dr. Olarinoye is a former boss and technocrat, and a noble personality whom we have shared a lot from his ingenuity.
In his own message, the Olomu of Omupo, Oba Mohammed Yakubu Adebayo Buari described Dr. Olarinoye as a worthy son of Omupo, and whose family have continued to add value to the Omupo community.
“We are particularly proud of the quality leadership you have continued to provide in mobilization and empowerment of the youths of Omupo to position them for meaningful and sustainable roles in the development of the community. We appreciate the key roles being played and contributions you have made for decades in advancing the growth, development and prosperity of Omupoland and the people.
And who is Dr Steve Abiodun Olarinoye?
Dr Steve Abiodun Olarinoye hails from Omupo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Born to the family of Pa and Mrs. Emmanuel Amoo Olarinoye of Olu-Ode’s Compound, Omupo.
He started his elementary education at the Olowogbowo Methodist School, Lagos, after which he moved to St. Michael’s Primary School in Omupo, to complete his primary education. He had his secondary education at Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin in 1973. He was a trained teacher, having attended Kano Teachers’ College from 1974 to 1976, and proceeded to Advanced Teachers’ College, ABU Kano from 1977 to 1980, where he obtained Teachers’ Grade II Certificate in Physical and Health Education/English respectively.
After his NYSC, he proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for his B.Ed. Physical/Health Education in 1983.
In 1994, Dr. Olarinoye received his Diploma in Advanced Sports Management in Germany. In 1995, he bagged his Masters Degree M.Ed. in Sports Management from University of Lagos. In 2012, he bagged his Ph.D in Sports Administration and Management from University of Ibadan. He was a product of three old generation Universities; Ahmadu Bello University, University of Lagos and University of Ibadan.
Dr. Olarinoye taught briefly under the Kano Local Education Authority between 1976 to 1977. He also taught at Government Day Secondary School, Samaru, Zaria from 1983 to 1987. He joined the National Sports Commission (NSC) in 1988 as Organising Secretary II, starting afresh after a brief stay at the headquarters in Lagos where he worked as Assistant Secretary to Nigeria Boxing Federation. He was posted as Zonal Organising Secretary to South West Zone of NSC, Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.
In 1990, he was posted as Assistant Secretary General (National Competitions), Nigeria Football Federation (the Nigeria FootballAssociation). When the Professional League was established in Nigeria, he became the Assistant Executive Secretary. As a matter of fact, Dr. Olarinoye was a pioneer member of the establishment of the Professional League in Nigeria.
He was also Head of Department, International Competitions (NFF), Special Assistant to Executive Director during the 2003 All Africa Games, Secretary General of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) between 2005 to 2009, member of the Weightlifting Board till date, first and only Nigerian to be on the Board of Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, NFF Match Commissioner till date, and the first Director General of the Kwara State Sports Commission, among other positions.
Dr. Olarinoye is married to Mrs. Nihinlola Olarinoye, who was also a retired Director of Education, under the Lagos State Ministry of Education. The marriage is blessed with children who are all University graduates.
Dr. Olarinoye is a member of numerous professional bodies and clubs. He retired as a Deputy Director (Sports), also as the Zonal Coordinator, South West Zone of the Federal Ministry of Sports. He retired, but definitely not tired.
He is a friend to many, loved by all, a wonderful personality whose impact is being felt at every stop in life. Amiable and humane, a goal-getter and resourceful. Master of the trade, a misunderstood general and embodiment of humility.
The colorful birthday ceremony was graced by personalities from all walks of life, including royalties, led by the Olomu of Omupo, Oba Mohammed Yakubu Adebayo Buari, the Oloreke of Oreke and Alatanda of Atanda, Dr. Amos Adamu, Chief Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Coach Tunde Kazeem,Alhaji Bode Durotoye, the Executive Chairman Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji, Secretary General Wrestling FederationAlhaji Mohammed Haruna Maigidansama, Hameed Adio (Oly), the Director of Sports, Mallam I.O. Bako, Prince Oladimeji Thompson, Kwara SWAN Chairman, Ayodeji Ismail, Old Student of 1973 set of GSS Ilorin, members of ITC Club and others.
For Dr Olarioye, it was a moment of praise, celebration of joy and life.
