Where-Is-My-Honour-If-I-Have-Mentored-You?

Where Is My Honour If I Have Mentored You?

Published by Wisdom Tide 

Dave Ikiedei Asei 

August 18th, 2025

Celebrating 50 Impactful Years of Grassroots Sports Development

There is a vital role that players, coaches, and sports administrators can play in the forthcoming celebration of CHF (Amb.) Ogunu Miebi Samson’s 50 impactful years of grassroots sports development in Nigeria. This event is being carefully planned to recognize and honour a man who has dedicated his life to mentoring and building future generations through sports.

A Vision Inspired by Neglect of Sports Heroes

The planning committee, chaired by Hon. Uroh Omiekumo Kiani, drew its inspiration from the painful realities surrounding many of Nigeria’s sports administrators and coaches. Over the years, numerous seasoned professionals who devoted their lives to sports development faced neglect, poverty, and abandonment. Some died without proper recognition, with many still owed millions in entitlements even after their deaths.

The committee’s position that legends should be honoured while they are alive has gained global acceptance. It represents a clear departure from the old tradition of waiting until after death to celebrate sports heroes with praises and lavish funerals.

The Biblical Call to Honour Mentors

Scripture reminds us in Malachi 1:6 that every father or mentor deserves honour: “If I be a father, where is my honour?” A mentor is someone who guides, teaches, and supports the less experienced to rise to stardom in any chosen field. By this standard, Amb. Ogunu Miebi Samson stands tall as one whose impact deserves recognition.

Amb. Ogunu’s Lifetime of Service to Sports Development

For over 50 years, Amb. Ogunu has committed his youthful strength and wisdom to the growth of grassroots sports in Nigeria. His legacy includes human capital development, talent discovery, knowledge transfer to younger coaches, and creating opportunities for athletes to gain exposure both nationally and internationally.

Operating as a private sports NGO leader and YSFON regional coordinator, he began his journey at the grassroots level in Brass Local Government Area of the then old Rivers State, which included Nembe, Brass, and Ogbia. He later rose to become Chairman of YSFON Bayelsa State, covering eight LGAs, and subsequently served as South-South Zonal Coordinator.

Mentorship and Legacy of Champions

Reflecting on his 50-year journey, CHF Ogunu noted that he has lost count of the athletes and coaches he has mentored. In the 1980s and 1990s, notable coaches such as Stanley Eguma, Joseph Egbu (Zico), Swezw Gwegee, Timi Uzaka, Axunda (Abuja), Rossi, and Promise Ngoku passed through his leadership within Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Many players who benefited from his mentorship rose to national and international prominence. They include cadet national team and Super Eagles players like Akpan Bassey, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, the late John Felegha, Ebiki Timitimi, Tamuno Dagogo, Diseye Nwankwe, Eremi Azikiwe, Eguma, Ebinimi Beniangba, Udoumakenefa Japhet, Brighton Raphael, and the late Stephen Etelima Stephen. Several of these athletes represented Nigeria in YSFON tournaments, competing in national and international championships, including events in Norway.

A Son of the Creeks on the Global Stage

The Ijaw people, and indeed all Nigerians, have reason to celebrate that a man from the creeks of Apparabie community in Akassa Clan, Brass LGA of Bayelsa State, has been used by God to place Nigeria on the global map of grassroots sports development. Amb. Ogunu’s contributions highlight the power of dedication, vision, and service to humanity.

A Call for Global Recognition

The landmark anniversary celebration is expected to attract attention from CAF, WAFU, FIFA, and other international sports bodies. It provides an opportunity to celebrate a lifetime of sacrifice, resilience, and unmatched commitment to sports development at the grassroots level.

An Invitation for Support and Participation

The planning committee has opened its secretariat to receive goodwill messages, encouragement, donations, volunteer support, advert placements, radio discussions, and other forms of assistance. These collective efforts will ensure the success of the global celebration of a man who has dedicated his life to building sports from the grassroots up.