The Abeokuta Sports Club in the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, radiated with history, wellness, brotherhood, and gratitude as the Keep Fit section celebrated its 20th anniversary in a unique dual ceremony, which included the 65th birthday of a former Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola.
It was a day when exercise met excellence, when fitness embraced statesmanship, and when a club stood tall to celebrate one of the most celebrated sons of the state.
The celebration, led by the section’s Captain, Mr. Ezekiel Obasanya, commenced at dawn with a symbolic trekking exercise in Isola’s honour, beginning from the club and moving through Ibara Housing Estate, Legislative Quarters, NNPC under bridge, Kuto bridge, GTBank, OPIC Roundabout and returning to the club.
The walk signified endurance, unity and the forward-moving spirit of progress. It was crowned with the ceremonial cutting of cake to seal the joy with smiles, camaraderie and collective pride.
The pavilion of the club later became a hub of celebration as members of the Keep Fit section, other members of the club, friends, likeminds, admirers and well-wishers poured in to rejoice with the section and to pay glowing tributes to Isola, who was described as an icon of humility, integrity, service, and leadership excellence.
Dignitaries in attendance included the President of Abeokuta Sports Club, Justice Deinde Soremi (rtd.); the immediate past President of the club, Alhaji Laja Awodele, who is also a former Commandant of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency; the club’s Vice Patron, Chief Seni Fatai Ogunyemi; pioneer Captain of the Keep Fit section, Chief Soji Ogunjobi; Sports Secretary, Mr. Babatunde Oretade; the Soccer section Chairman, Hon. Dr. Bayo Adenekan; Table Tennis Section Chairman Mr. Olusesi Ayorinde; Captain of Draft Section, Alhaji Jamiu Balogun, and Captain of the Scotch Section, Hon. Dr. Dipo Akingbade.
A health consultant, Mrs. Adejoke Owolabi enlightened the gathering with valuable insights on wellness and longevity, strengthening the essence of the Keep Fit mission, while a cascade of goodwill messages rolled in like a river of honor.
Soremi reminded the audience of the unforgettable reforms achieved during Isola’s tenure as Secretary to the Ogun State Government, especially the significant welfare support that ensured that state judges retired with dignity and automobiles, a legacy which is said is written in gratitude and governance.
Ogunyemi spoke with unwavering conviction, reassuring Isola of Egba’s readiness to stand with him in any future democratic contest, particularly as Ogun State looks forward with interest to 2027, while Awodele commended the celebrator for his long-standing commitment and support to the club.
Emotion found expression, respect found voice, and history found memory as the Keep Fit section presented a honorary award to Isola for his enduring contributions, generosity, patriotism, and noble character. It was a moment that painted admiration into legacy and gratitude into time.
The day was not just a celebration of 20 years of fitness, it was a celebration of resilience, leadership, community, and a future bright with possibility.
It was a day Abeokuta stood still to honour the Keep Fit section and to celebrate one of its finest. And in that memory, a new chapter of strength, loyalty, unity and hope opens.
