GRASSROOTS MEMORIES
By
Sam O’ Femi Fashetire
I am motivated to go back in time once again, after getting a voice message this past Wednesday on Facebook from 1997 Golden Eaglets’ captain and 2003 All Africa Games silver medal defender, Emmanuel Ejike Izuagha 👆.
He sent the message from a hospital bed in Germany, where he was recovering from a recurring injury; but that did not stop him from recalling and celebrating the days we had together while he was growing up in Isolo area of Lagos.
He hailed me for having played a key role in his transformation from a grassroots player into a national team star, then promised to sponsor my son’s summer football camp fixed for August in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Ejike’s words sent tears of joy rolling down my face, not just because he recounted the good things God used me to do in his life, but mostly because of another touch of relief he brought my way in these tough days of no fuel subsidy.
His words also left me thanking God for the umpteenth time, knowing how The Almighty keeps providing helpers to see me through the raging storm at each crucial point in recent months.
The list cuts across secondary schoolmates, journalism colleagues, proteges and seniors of the profession, as well as fellow church brethren and admirers of my unflinching efforts at promoting young talents with various avenues of charity.
Yes, God loves a cheerful giver, and I know that’s why He keeps sending helpers to me in these days of dire need. Whenever I’m in desperation, God always sends someone to calm my tension.
Thank you, Lord, for rewarding my days of sacrifice, and thanks to everyone who has been a willing vessel fit for God’s use, like Emmanuel Ejike has just done.
Let me start by celebrating my old school mates, most of whom I have not seen since we left Government College Lagos, Eric Moore Road, Surulere in 1984, yet they keep showing me love.
I doff my hat to Tope Orekan, Yomi Showemimo, Anthony Chima, David Olusemo, Dayo Ogunmodede, Jide Fashola, John Fashina, Clement Okwuegbuna, Segun Olawepo, Chike Onianwa and others whose names skip my mind.
Next line of accolades goes to my journalism colleagues, seniors and juniors, who have helped me in cash and kind repeatedly: Bimbo Adeola, Toyin Ibitoye, Chidozie Okoroji, Ifeanyi Emmanuel, Ikenwa Nnabuogor, Ademola Olajire, Morakinyo Abodunrin, George Essien, Muhammed Sulaiman, Emmanuel Etim, Solomon Ajuziogu, Jide Ojo, Raymond Nwaduba, Samm Audu and Remi Sulola.
Thanks to them for always providing shoulders for me to lean on at short notice.
Same goes to those I have met in various aspects of life over the years and they keep refreshing me in several ways … Pastor Victor Macdonald, Brother David Olomo, Friday Nwankwo Kujah, Kabiyesi Abu Jelili Ododo, Larry Ashagbe, Lati Adekunle and Jide Sodimu.
Not forgetting some of my grassroots products … Abraham Alechenu, Kunle Bajowa, Wasiu Afolabi, Yomi Akintoye, Biodun Olateju, Kazeem Kareem, Ifeanyi Emeghara, Charlibe Okolie, Joseph Solomon, Akinola Makinwa and lots more.
Though the support does not come in a flood, the intermittent supply matters most at crucial stages of my need. So, I say a hefty thanks to you all.
You all make me know of a truth that God is truly a rewarder of those who diligently serve him.
I have also come to realise in double doses that charity pays, but it is not usually the people you help that will directly reward you for your efforts. Your reward shall surely come, but it’s mostly from unexpected sources, as it keeps coming for me.
All glory be to The Most High. Halleluyah!
