This is a clarion call to the Executive Governor of
Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the National Sports Commission,
and the Nigeria Football Federation.
Iconic ex-international goalkeeper, Peter Rufai,
deserves nothing less than a carnival-like, befitting burial from the people of
Nigeria and our great country. This is to show our appreciation for a
patriotic, dedicated, and totally committed servant who gave his all in the
line of duty for Nigeria.
We therefore call on the Executive Governor of Lagos
State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Chairman of the National Sports
Commission, Mr. Shehu Dikko; and the President of the Nigeria Football
Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, to brace up and support the Rufai family—who
appear to have been abandoned after initial condolence visits.
On a condolence visit to the family house at Amuwo
Odofin Estate, Lagos, on Thursday, 30th July 2025, a PFAN delegation made up of
ex-internationals and officials was present. The delegation included:
• Clement Temile, 1st Vice President of
PFAN,
• Taju Disu, Chairman of the Lagos State
chapter of PFAN,
• Princewill Gbogbodu, PFAN National
Treasurer,
and was led by ex-international Tajudeen Ajide, former
Surulere Local Government Chairman, a PFAN Board of Trustees member and
South-West leader of PFAN.
Yours sincerely was also part of the delegation.
During the visit, Hon. Ajide strongly assured the
family of support from the Lagos State Government and noted that the Federal
Government, through the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football
Federation, would also support the family.
In response, the family, represented by Dele Rufai,
expressed their appreciation. She emphasized that the visit was timely and
brought great relief to the family.
PFAN is currently working with the Lagos Sports
Commission and the Lagos State Football Association to ensure that all
registered football clubs and academies in Lagos State will dress in their
official club kits to honour Peter Rufai at the Valedictory Football Match.
This event, organized by PFAN, is scheduled for 22nd August 2025 and will be
held at either Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium, depending on which
venue is approved for the lying in state.
All divisions of the All Stars International Football
Clubs in Lagos State are expected to attend this honourable occasion.
Prince Harrison Jalla
Comments:
Leave a Reply