My 17 years wait.
I have waited 17 whole years for this moment.
Yet, it is really like yesterday in the scale of time, because in absolute reality the only time that exists is the eternal moment of NOW. So, 17 years are nothing but a moment. That moment arrived yesterday.
After my footbal playing days were over, and I had been led by fate into the wondrous world of multi-media, I had a small seed of a dream tucked away in my heart.
I was determined not to force it by doing anything illegal, or corrupt, or immoral inorder to get it, because I believed it is a dream whose fulfilment I also believed should come only because the authorities agree it is merited.
So, for all of 17 years I have watched in some shock and amazement as licenses were been flung around the country like confetti at a marriage to every Tom, Dick and Harry.
Even those that did not apply for it were gifted. Several Nigerians got multiple licenses, products of connections and man-know-man. In all this swarm only one license was approved in 17 years in a country of some 180 million people, passionate and ‘crazy’ about SPORTS.
The few persons that I invited to join me in setting up a second sports radio station in Nigeria, a year or so after the first was granted, were also influential, but for some reason they also allowed things to run their course because they assumed a license was a sure deal and would be approved for me by government with ease and pleasure.
So, they did nothing to facilitate or accelerate the process.
Incidentally every single one of the DG’s in charge of recommending applications were friends, yet, they did not do it, despite my constant but subtle prodding. Even the initial studio engineering design was done by a school mate who eventually became the DG of the NBC. Under him, nothing happened.
In my little understanding of how the Universe works, and not bent on tugging at forces in the cosmos that I know little about how they operate, I left it all to the Creator of the Universe to pick the cause, the time, the place and the persons to make it happen, if it will ever happen.
Now, the new story.
In the dispensation of President Muhammadu Buhari, the elements are unfolding their divine conspiracy. In a grand drama of life many things have started to come together (needless to list them here), and the most unexpected interventions are taking place, most of which I definitely know nothing about.
That’s why my greatest gratitude goes to my Father, the Creator of the Universe.
I thank President Muhammadu Buhari (I doubt that he is even aware of what he did); the DG of the NBC, Kaawu Modibo; the Hon. Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare; the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former DG of the NBC, Mallam Dankadi Bako; Ambassador Mamman Yusuf; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; SA to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina; and many others that may have had a hand or a prayer in making my 17-year dream ( to join my friend, Dr. Lary Izamoje of Brila Sports FM) to operate the second, the biggest, boldest and best Sports Radio station in Africa, become reality.
Yesterday, I received the news that the Sports Radio Station license I had sought for 17 years has been approved by the President. A new chapter has been opened for me in my very humble and eventful journey through life.
Wasimi Orile in Ogun State is the location of this new and exciting project. All those who can should join hands with me and help me in every way to make this an addition to my small legacy on earth.
Segun Odegbami
