By Aderonke Ojo
…..NLO Chief Operating Officer Praises SWAN for Constructive Criticism
In a heartwarming display of gratitude, Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One (NLO), has expressed profound appreciation to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognising his contributions to the advancement of Nigerian football.
Ogunnowo, who was among the honourees at the SWAN 60th Anniversary Celebration in Abuja, credited constructive criticism from journalists for his professional growth.
“I want to thank God for this moment and to say that I’m very, very happy because the people I thought hated me the most — I never knew they were building me up.That is the sports writers,” Ogunnowo said emotionally after receiving his award.
He explained that many of the criticisms he received in the course of his career were, in hindsight, valuable lessons that refined his leadership approach.
Ogunnowo revealed that feedback from journalists often redirected his decisions and contributed to his success in football administration.
“They might not give me direct instructions, but their reports and opinions always pointed me in the right direction — and that has brought me great results,” he added.
He recounted instances where journalists’ criticisms helped him identify areas for improvement, saying, “Many times, they would knock me and say, ‘Mr. Shola, why don’t you do this?’ When I sat back with my team, I would realise that they were actually helping me by drawing attention to areas that needed improvement.”
The NLO administrator also used the occasion to pay tribute to mentors who shaped his journey, recalling his early years in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“ I want to thank someone very important in my football career — His Royal Highness Al-Hassan Yakmut. He started this journey in my life the very day the NFF and the Sports Ministry interviewed us as staff.
He told them right there that Shola would work in his office, and I was drafted to the professional league department immediately. The General Secretary then, Dr. Tijani Yusuf, also insisted he wanted me in his office. So, as a new staff member of the NFF, I got a double honour,” Ogunnowo recounted.
Reflecting on his growth and achievements, Ogunnowo said he remains committed to contributing to Nigeria’s football development.
“Today, I’m happy I have not disappointed those who trusted me. I will continue to do what I know best, and by God’s grace, the sky will be the limit.
Together, we will keep working to turn Nigerian football around for the better,” he declared.
In a grand celebration of excellence, Ogunnowo was recognised by SWAN for his outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.
The prestigious honor was bestowed upon him at the SWAN 60th Anniversary Celebration held on Friday in Abuja. This insight reflects his commitment to leveraging diverse perspectives for the betterment of Nigerian football.
The two-day event, which began on Oct. 30, concluded at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
SWAN also honoured notable sports leaders, including former Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, Chairman of Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko and DG NSC, Bukola Olopade.
Others were the DG National Institute of Sports, Philip Shaibu, Silas Agara, President of Nigeria Golf Federation, Olusegun Runsewe, to mention a few.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration, themed “The Power of Sports Media: Honouring Its Legacy, Shaping the Future,” featured lectures, awards, and discussions.