Bello Hails Fashola’s Storytelling Skills
A UK-based Nigerian IT professional, Moshud Bello, has likened former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), to former United States President Barack Obama, praising his storytelling ability during public speeches Completesports.com reports.
Reacting to Fashola’s compelling keynote address at the launch of Dr. Mumini Alao’s autobiography on Sunday, 10 August 2025 titled “Re-Thinking The Current Football Business Model In Nigeria As A Catalyst For Sports Development”, Bello described the lecture as “epic” and worthy of a second listen.
Also Read: ‘Safe, Modern Sports Arenas Will Revive Nigeria’s Sporting Culture’ – Fashola
“Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola’s lecture at Mumini Alao’s book launch was epic. Fashola is slowly becoming the Barack Obama of Nigeria who tells excellent stories in his speeches. I need to listen to his entire lecture again,” Bello reiterated.
Fashola Champions Grassroots Sports and Youth Development
In his speech, Fashola called for massive investment in grassroots sports, stressing the need to discover and nurture future champions from an early age.
He urged both the government and the private sector to treat sports infrastructure as critical social investment, alongside roads and schools.
Beyond Entertainment – Sports as an Economic Driver
The former Federal Minister of Works and Housing emphasised that sports should not be seen only as entertainment but as a tool for job creation and youth empowerment. He noted that careers in coaching, physiotherapy, sports law, and media could lift thousands of young Nigerians out of poverty.
Reviving School Sports for National Glory
BRF also called for the revival of structured inter-school competitions as a breeding ground for national teams.
Also Read: Fashola: Sports Development Key to Solving Nigeria’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
Drawing from his experience in Lagos, Fashola highlighted how the Schools Sports Festival had produced athletes who went on to represent Nigeria internationally
Fashola Advocates Handing Football Clubs to the People
The former Lagos State governor further urged State governments to relinquish ownership and control of football clubs, arguing that such teams should be community-driven. According to him, this model would foster stronger fan loyalty, sustainable funding, and a deeper sense of local pride, similar to successful football club structures around the world.
By Nnamdi Ezekute
