In a passionate appeal for the preservation of sporting history, the founder of the Hammed Ayinla Foundation, Dr. Ahmed Ayinla, has urged the Kwara State government to immortalize the late Alhaji Yusuf Salami. Speaking during the foundation’s 3rd annual public award ceremony in Ilorin, Dr. Ayinla suggested that the legacy of the Al-Yusuf Salami Rocks Football Club founder deserves a permanent place in the state’s history, perhaps through an edifice within the George Innih Stadium Complex or by naming a major national event like the Federation Cup after him.
The event, which took place at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Centre, served as a gathering for veterans and stakeholders in the sports industry. Dr. Ayinla, a former Provost of the Kwara State College of Education, told journalists at the venue that while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s gesture of dedicating Kwara United’s historic Challenge Cup victory to the late Salami was commendable, more needs to be done to ensure his contributions are never forgotten.
The ceremony featured the presentation of Sports Awards of Excellence to several icons who have shaped the industry. Among the honorees were veteran journalist Mr. Bayour Issah, famously known as “Mr. Sports,” and former Kwara State Commissioner for Sports, Alhaji Hameed Adio. Other recipients included Yakubu Ekundayo (Captain Dayo), Baba Alli (Magaji Ikolaba), Alh. Abdulkadir Tosho Alanamu, Coach Issa Saliman, Rashid Badmus, Alh. Adebayo Yusuf Salami Sarumi, and the Kwara United Supporters Football Club.
Dr. Ayinla explained that his foundation chose these individuals because of their selfless dedication to sports as a tool for national unity. He noted that football remains the most powerful bridge across ethnic and religious divides in Nigeria, and those who have spent their lives building that bridge deserve to be singled out for honor while their stories can still inspire the younger generation.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Alhaji Hameed Adio shared nostalgic reflections on the “golden era” of Nigerian sports. He spoke about a time when patriotism was the primary motivation for athletes and administrators alike. He recalled the immense pride that came with wearing the national colors, stating that their service was driven by passion rather than financial gain. Adio thanked the Hammed Ayinla Foundation for recognizing their past efforts and keeping the spirit of excellence alive in Kwara State.
