Former Green Eagles captain and striker, Chief Segun Odegbami, MON, has urged athletes in Akwa Ibom State to look beyond trophies and medals during their active careers and to explore the vast, life-changing opportunities available within the sports industry, ensuring a meaningful life after retirement.
Odegbami delivered this message in Uyo while presenting cash prizes to winners of the recently concluded Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival and the 2024 National Youth Games held in Asaba.
The former international footballer stressed the importance of combining education with sports, noting that many retired athletes who fail to plan or invest for life after sports often struggle to survive.
“Look at me today. I was involved in active sports for only ten years. I didn’t win many medals, but my decision to complete my education opened numerous life-changing opportunities for me,” he said.
“I have been recognised and honoured nationally and internationally. I have been named a sports ambassador for various brands and institutions. I didn’t just play football; I pushed myself to understand the business of sports.”
Odegbami revealed that his passion for sports development led to the establishment of The Segun Odegbami International Sports College, which he described as the only sports secondary school in Nigeria.
“My simple message to all athletes is to look beyond trophies and medals. Those accolades are fleeting, but life after sports is long. Without proper planning and investment, life after sports can be very challenging,” he warned.
“There are enormous, untapped opportunities in sports education, sports science, sports journalism—photography, videography—sports law, and general sports management. These areas allow one to remain relevant in sports long after active competition.”
Chief Odegbami expressed deep gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his passion, investment, and commitment to sports development in Akwa Ibom State. He also commended the appointment of Elder Paul Bassey as Commissioner for Sports, praising his capability to drive sports development to greater heights.
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey thanked Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the maintenance and upgrading of sports infrastructure in the state, including the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium—Nigeria’s only FIFA-approved stadium—Eket Stadium, the Olympic-size swimming pool at Uyo Township Stadium, and the Itam Sports Centre, among others.
He further appreciated the Governor for approving the procurement of modern sports equipment for the Ministry and for authorising the commencement of work at the iconic co-educational Ibom Sports Academy in Eket.
“Your Excellency, these are clear testimonies to your passion for sports development in Akwa Ibom State. Through the ARISE Agenda, you have provided opportunities for our youth, revived grassroots sports, and created pathways to self-realisation, empowerment, unity, and sustainable development.
“Through sports, our young men and women can harness their talents, become gainfully employed, live purposeful lives, and inspire future generations.”
He congratulated the athletes, thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promise to them, and urged the beneficiaries to remain exemplary ambassadors of the state.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of cheques to athletes who won medals at the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival and the National Youth Games. The top three local government areas at the festival received cash prizes as follows: Itu Local Government Area – ₦15 million; Uyo Local Government Area – ₦10 million; and Nsit Atai Local Government Area – ₦5 million.
Sports supervisors from all 31 local government areas were also rewarded with ₦200,000 each for their efforts during the festival.
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