Subsequent governments in Nigeria have in the last four decades been giving national honour to distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their various contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Nigeria, in different walks of life.
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Meanwhile, some concerned Nigerians, particularly in the sports sector, have expressed concern over the selection process, which they described as unfair to truly deserving sports philanthropists and investors.
A group of former footballers and coaches who plied their trades for clubs in Lagos state, as well as, the various national football teams are now making concerted efforts and appeals to the new government of the country, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to give due recognition and national honours to distinguished individuals like Chief Adewale Teluwo.
Chief Adewale Teluwo, a renowned philanthropist and successful businessman, founded and sponsored teams like Ibukun Oluwa FC and Obanta United of Ogun State, as well as, VIP Insurance, Frontliners FC and Verobim Queens of Lagos State, who supplied the most players and coaches for the various Nigerian national teams.
Speaking on their desires to ensure that their mentor Chief Adewale Teluwo, receives his recognition as a patriot and nation builder, former captain of Obanta United and ex-Nigeria international, Godwin Okpara, opined that Chief Teluwo deserves to be recognised and celebrated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, for his age-long invaluable contributions to the development of the country, through football.
Also speaking on the need for the Federal Government to recognise and confer a national honour on the renowned philanthropist and successful businessman, foremost ex-footballer and one of the products of the teams of Chief Teluwo, Victor Ehimen Ighedosa, who was the first Nigerian to play in Qatar, remarked that nothing is too much to celebrate Chief Teluwo.
“Chief Adewale Teluwo is a mentor and father figure to many coaches and footballers in Nigeria. His selflessness, kindness, generosity and love for the youths are uncommon. Many of those who enjoyed his philanthropic gestures are doing well in the same today,” Ehimen remarked.
“Chief Teluwo, is a nation builder, a detribalised Nigerian businessman and a highly regarded football investor, who has equally contributed enormously to the feats and growths of Nigerian football.
“Therefore, we are making a passionate appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, to recognise and reward this patriotic Nigerian with a national honour, that he truly deserves. We should not wait for great individuals like him to die before we give them recognition and honours,” he added.
Meanwhile, some of the famous Nigerian players and coaches who worked with teams established by Chief (Dr). Adewale Teluwo includes late coaches Kolawole Henry Olalere, Joe Erico, Alhaji Amusa Shittu, Olu Onagoruwa, Prince Akin Ladigbolu, and Gideon Njoku. Others are Fanny Amun, James Peters, Gbenga Ogunbote and Kromah Doe, amongst others.
While some of the players who made stardom through his various clubs include, Godwin Okpara, Pastor Taribo West, Victor Ehime Ighedosa, Akeem Ogunlade, Festus Odini, Segun Fetuga, Taiwo Enegwa, Bode Babington, Edwin Eke, (late) James Enagwuna, (late) Manga Mohammed, Chuks Akuneto, Sunday Ilevbare, amongst many others.
