Foundation to immortalize Mr Football
Chief Orok Oyo Orok, the first son of Mr Football says the Mr Football Foundation aimed at immortalising his father.
The Foundation which was launched at the U.J.Esuene stadium, Calabar together with a book launch in his honour was aimed at chronicling the life and time of the First, Secretary of the Nigerian Football Association, (NFF) and Secretary General of the Nigerian Football body, the First Committee member of FIFA and CAF Executive Committee.
Speaking at a Church service whoch was held at the Duke Town Presbyterian Church Calabar and the U.J Esuene Stadium over the weekend, the First Son of the Football Icon, Chief Oyo Orok.
Stressing that lack of political will in the Nigerian political system did not allow his father to be immortalized despite assurance by those in authority that Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo (Mr Football) will be remembered for his contributions to the growth of African Football.
“The greatest misfortune that has befallen my Father, is to come from this part of the World” he started.
Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo died 14 years ago on the 10th of September 2008 exactly 14 days after his 86th birthday, he would have been 100 years old by Saturday, August 27th 2022 Were he to be alive.
According to the First Son, though he may be dead, he continues to live in the minds of those who cherished him.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion Senator Andrew Uchendu Pro-chancellor and Chairmen of the Governing Council University of Port-Harcourt, said the event is coming 14 years after he transitioned to eternal glory and in the year of his posthumous centenary birthday.
Senator Uchendu who was represented by Dr Asuquo Ekanem said the Essays of Mr Football is a compendium of articles of the late Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo containing 207 essays with 286 pages.
“Let me at this point renew the call on Government both Federal and State to immortalise this great Son of the state for his contributions to the development of football within and outside the African Continent”
“This they could do by naming a football team or stadium facility after this great icon, the man desired to be so honoured”
In their separate remarks, the Deputy Secretary General of the Nigerian Football Association Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, and Chief Kenneth Nwocha of Delta State Football Association.
Who represented the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr Gregory Abang, 2nd Vice Chairmen of Cross River State Football Association, ascertained that the NFF was working assiduously, ensuring that the late Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo was immortalized because so much has been said about him.
Earlier at the Church service, and unveiling of the tombstone at no 14 Edgerly Road, Calabar, the Minister in charge of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Duke Town Parish, Rev. Akil MBE preaches on the topic of Looking for a skill a skilled Man/Women, Gen. 4: 1-14, Acts 9: 36-43 said when you understand your skills, nobody dares you as Etubom. Oyo Orok Oyo understood his God-given skills.
