Veteran Nigerian sports journalist, Dr. Mumini Alao, has revealed that working with the late sports broadcaster, Fabio Olanipekun, was the major motivation behind his decision to write his autobiography.
Dr. Alao launched his autobiography on Sunday, 10th August 2025, at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba.
Sports Icons Grace Star-Studded Book Launch
Among notable personalities at the event were the former Lagos State Governor and current Minister of Works and Housing, H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who was the guest speaker; Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, who chaired the occasion; former Minister of Sports and current Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye; and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick.
Also in attendance were former Nigeria internationals Segun Odegbami, Joseph Dosu, Joseph Yobo, Etim Esin, Mutiu Adepoju, Dominic Iorfa, Waidi Akanni, Desire Oparanozie, and Taiwo Oloyede, alongside veteran sports broadcaster Modele Sarafa-Yusuf.
How Fabio Olanipekun Sparked the Idea
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Alao explained that he had once urged the late Olanipekun to write his autobiography due to his vast knowledge of Nigerian sports. Sadly, Olanipekun passed away in 2022 without fulfilling that goal.
“I remember working with the late Fabio Olanipekun at the NTA during the 1998 FIFA World Cup. We were doing sports analysis together, and I found him to be a rich reservoir of Nigerian sports history. I kept encouraging him to write a book so those of us coming behind could have a reference point. He assured me he would, but unfortunately, he passed on before achieving that objective.
“So, I told myself that if I could give Fabio that advice, I should follow it myself. I decided that if God spared my life to 60, I would write my autobiography. I turned 60 last year, so I kept my word.”
The Motives Behind the Autobiography – Mumini Alao
Dr. Alao emphasised that his book is both a personal and professional legacy.
“It’s not everyone who clocks 60, and it’s not everyone who has the opportunity to tell their story. For nearly 40 years, I’ve been writing about others – it was time to write about myself. I believe colleagues, past, present, and future, will pick lessons from the experiences I’ve shared in the book.”
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He also revealed that his father meticulously documented his life history in files, dating back even before his birth.
“My dad gave me three bunches of files containing my life story – my childhood, schooling, health records, everything. I thought, if I don’t put these into a book, they’ll eventually be thrown away. That formed the second part of the autobiography, which covers my private life, while the first part focuses on my professional career.”
Highlights and Lessons in Mumini Alao’s Autobiography
On the highlights, Dr. Alao said:
“There are so many – it’s difficult to pick just one. Readers will find moments that make them laugh, cry, or reflect. The book also delves into the business side of running Complete Football and Complete Sports newspapers, which I believe will be valuable for professional colleagues.”
By James Agberebi
