Abeokuta Sports Club Honours Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR

The Abeokuta Sports Club, renowned for its enduring tradition of excellence, camaraderie and community building, once again etched its name in gold as the Table Tennis Section hosted a befitting End of the Year Party on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

The event, held in an atmosphere of elegance, warmth and shared purpose, transcended mere celebration to become a profound statement on leadership, gratitude and the unifying power of sports.

Organised under the purposeful leadership of the Chairman of the Table Tennis Section, Mr. Olusesi Ayorinde, the gathering reflected meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the role sports plays in shaping values, nurturing unity and fostering sustainable relationships across social and political divides. The evening was not only a celebration of a successful sporting year but also a reaffirmation of the Abeokuta Sports Club’s commitment to honouring those whose contributions continue to uplift the institution and the wider society.

Central to the night’s significance was the celebration of the erstwhile Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, a distinguished diplomat, statesman and proud son of Ogun State. His presence brought gravitas to the occasion, symbolising the seamless connection between grassroots development and global representation. Ambassador Isola’s life of service, humility and consistent support for community initiatives stood as a powerful reminder that true leadership is measured not only by titles held, but by lives touched and institutions strengthened.

The highlight of the event was the conferment of the prestigious Pillar of Support Award on Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR. The award was met with thunderous applause, reflecting a collective acknowledgement of his unwavering encouragement, moral backing and tangible support for sports development and community cohesion. In celebrating him, the Table Tennis Section affirmed a core truth: that sports thrive best when nurtured by leaders who believe in unity, discipline and the empowerment of the younger generation.

The event attracted an array of respected dignitaries whose presence further underscored its importance. Among them were the Vice Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Tayo Egbeyemi; a member of the Board of Trustees of the Club, Dr. Olubunmi Sanyaolu; the Immediate Past President of Abeokuta Sports Club, Chief Seni Fatai Ogunyemi; the Executive Secretary of Abeokuta North Local Government, Chief Wole Ayorinde; a Past Chairman of the Table Tennis Section, Engr. Wole Adekoya; as well as other eminent personalities, club members and well-wishers. Their collective attendance painted a vivid picture of institutional solidarity and shared respect for excellence.

Throughout the evening, tributes flowed generously, highlighting Ambassador Isola’s enduring belief in sports as a tool for social integration, youth engagement and peaceful coexistence. Speakers commended his calm disposition, bridge-building leadership style and his readiness to support initiatives that promote unity at both local and national levels. The ambience resonated with appreciation, reflecting a community proud of one of its finest ambassadors.

More than a social gathering, the End of the Year Party stood as a metaphor for hope and continuity. It reinforced the idea that sports clubs are not just centres for recreation but vital platforms for civic engagement, mentorship and value transmission. The Table Tennis Section, through this well-executed event, demonstrated how sports administration can align celebration with purpose and recognition with inspiration.

As the curtain fell on the night, one message rang clear and unambiguous: leadership that supports community institutions endures beyond office, and honouring such leadership strengthens the moral fabric of society. The Abeokuta Sports Club Table Tennis Section did not merely mark the end of a sporting year; it celebrated legacy, encouraged service and rekindled faith in the power of unity.

Indeed, the 2025 End of the Year Party will be remembered not only for its elegance and organisation, but for its profound statement—that when sports, leadership and gratitude converge, society is elevated, and the future is inspired.