Coach Bola Mogaji: A Reservoir of Sports Knowledge, Excellence

Coach Bola Mogaji: A Reservoir of Sports Knowledge, Excellence

By Saheed Abdullahi

If there is one name that resonates deeply within the Nigerian sports sector, particularly in Kwara State, it is Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission. Widely referred to as an “Encyclopedia of Sports” and a “Reservoir of Intelligence,”. Coach Mogaji’s name has become synonymous with sports development and leadership in the state and beyond.

A household name in the Nigerian sports community, Coach Mogaji’s passion for sports was ignited as early as his primary school days, sustained through his time at Government Secondary School, Ilorin, and flourished throughout his university education.

His versatility in sports is unmatched, having played nearly all of the 38 recognized sports in Nigeria including football, cricket, table tennis, and squash.Notably, he is a medal-winning squash player who has competed in both local and international tournaments.

His appointment as Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was seen as a perfect match, a “round peg in a round hole.” Given his lifelong dedication to sports, his leadership was expected, and he has since lived up to, and exceeded, expectations.The Executive Chairman is known for sports development, sports administration and a reputable referee

Interestingly, Coach Mogaji’s love for sports was initially met with resistance from his late father, Alhaji Mogaji, famously known as a bicycle repairer, Adisa Keke. Concerned about his son’s future, the elder Mogaji would follow him around to ensure he attended classes and stayed away from sports. However, a surprising visit from a military governor, who had played squash with young Mogaji, changed the father’s perspective, earning him admiration and support from then on.

Throughout his career, Coach Mogaji has played squash with many prominent Nigerians, including Major General George Agbazika Innih, Sunday Ifere, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq himself.

Under his leadership and Governor AbdulRazaq’s support, Kwara State has seen unprecedented investment in sports infrastructure and development. Projects include the comprehensive refurbishment of the Major General George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, renovation of the Main Bowl, construction of 8 glass back squash courts and rehabilitation of 2 glass back squash courts, a state-of-the-art Table Tennis Arena, and extensive road works within the stadium complex.

As a testament to his lasting contributions to sports, a set of 10 glass back squash courts have been named after Coach Mogaji by Governor AbdulRazaq, recognizing him as a pioneer player, coach, and national champion in squash.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, several other prominent figures have been similarly honoured, with various parts of the stadium complex now bearing their names, including the legendary Rasheed Yekini, Gabriel Babatunde Ladipo, Atanda Musa (Manza Musa), and Coach Usman Adenuja, among others.

Coach Mogaji has also championed grassroots sports development, ensuring that all 16 Local Government Areas in Kwara State are included in sporting programs. He has established a working relationship with local government chairmen to foster youth engagement in sports, which he sees as a way to combat crime and social vices.

Beyond able-bodied athletes, Mogaji has been an advocate for the inclusion of children with disabilities in sports. Speaking on Gamo, a radio program on Albarika 89.9 FM, he encouraged parents to support children living with disabilities in exploring sports. He cited Mariam Eniola Bolaji, a Kwara-born para-athlete and international medalist, as a shining example.

Coach Mogaji has also kept the doors of George Innih Stadium Complex open to people living with disabilities to help them explore and develop their talents. He often emphasizes that sports should be combined with education for a well-rounded future, urging parents to support their children’s athletic pursuits, which he describes as a “money-spinning venture” in today’s world.

The Director of Sports, Alhaji Ibrahim Bako, affirms that the Commission under Coach Mogaji’s leadership is not only nurturing existing talents but actively discovering new ones. Alhaji Bako also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for providing the enabling environment for sports to flourish in the state.

Apart from sports, Coach Mogaji is widely regarded as a man of deep intellect, with extensive knowledge spanning various fields, including philosophy, science, and religion. A committed Muslim, he often supports his statements with references from the Qur’an and Hadith, demonstrating an impressive grasp of Islamic jurisprudence.

His approachability and humility make him stand out as a leader. Known for his open-door policy, Coach Mogaji is easily accessible to all, devoid of unnecessary bureaucracy. Despite his challenging background as the son of a bicycle repairer, he attended some of the best schools and often emphasizes the importance of quality education. He remains an advocate for giving every child a fighting chance to succeed.

As a man who has traveled far and wide, Coach Mogaji continues to inspire many, embodying the message that regardless of background, dedication and hard work in both sports and education can lead to success.

Saheed Abdullahi is the Press Secretary, Kwara State Sports Commission.