Nigeria football needs reset - Amb. Okereafor

Nigeria football needs reset - Amb. Okereafor

This week's edition of Sportsunlimited Lounge is uniquely different as we bring you a communication expert, with undying passion for sports and youth empowerment, using core values of real time engagement.
A former footballer and entertainment impresario, Ambassador Stanley Okereafor, told our host, Akeem Busari, how sports, particularly, football needs a complete overhaul, even as he likened it to the socio-economic challenges of our national life.
Enjoy.


Please introduce yourself?
Stanley Chukwuemeka Okereafor is my name. I am a passionate development communication specialist with over two decades of experience, masterfully crafting strategic national campaigns that drive social and behaviour change. My career spans communication, advocacy, knowledge management, public health programming, and multimedia production which has left an indelible mark on the international development landscape. My focus is expanded to include leadership roles and new business ventures.
I have seamlessly channelled my knowledge into empowering and supporting others, now serving as the President of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development Leadership School Alumni Association. In this role, I am at the forefront of supporting the next generation of change-makers.
My friends say I stand as a compelling figure at the intersection of development, leadership, and savvy business—a professional committed not just to talking about change, but to building it in multiple spheres. I am humbled.
Beyond my technical core, I am a passionate public speaker and facilitator, who regularly leads sessions on soft skills including effective communication, team building and emotional intelligence, among others to foster more productive and resilient teams. I also officiate football matches for fitness and fun, having retired as a Grade 1 football referee.

Growing up, what sport took your fancy?
I took part in football, like a lot of young boys who grew up in my area. I am left-footed, and a strong defender (laughs). I had the privilege of been coached and mentored by you. You were a kind and supportive grassroots Coach who made indelible impressions on our young hearts. No one can forget you, hence till date I still call you Coachy. I was also keen about athletics, especially 400 metres, where I won medals for my house in secondary school.
Tell us briefly about your academic and family background?
I come from a family of formerly 4 boys and 2 girls. Unfortunately, we lost the girls as children and my immediate younger brother is in his 30s. We are 3 boys, remaining. My primary and secondary schools were in Agboju, Amuwo, Lagos. I graduated from the University of Ibadan, having acquired my first and second degrees in Theatre Arts and Communication and Language Arts respectively. The academic journey continues.
You're a versatile media personality, tell us how you've been able to influence the larger society with your contributions?
My foray into the media world started when I lived in Punch Estate, Mangoro, Lagos and worked under the late Wale Aboderin, son of the founder of Punch Newspaper. The late Wale Aboderin was fondly called ‘Chairman’. He was like a father, and a mentor to many of us. May God bless his soul and memory. I also published a Christian magazine back in the days. From there I got a job with the BBC World Service Trust as it was called then as a Producer of Story Story, 'Voices from the market', then to a TV series, 'Wetin Dey'.
I rose through the ranks, apart from contributing ideas and proffering solutions in panels, expert sessions, workshops, consultancies and academic publications, working on Story Story team, broadcast on the BBC and across Africa and beyond, was a strong medium that promoted good governance and influenced narratives.
I was under the tutelage of Akim Mogaji who made work fun and built a lot of capacity in Nigeria. You could say that was my baptism into development communication. Ever since my work with the BBC, I have continuously worked and consulted in the media and communication space, influencing the larger society, whether as a producer of media outputs that encouraged child spacing, mitigated gender-based violence and HIV prevention among others.
Let's digress a bit. Away from your busy schedules, how do you relax?
I enjoy walking, travelling, meeting people and taking part in outdoor activities. Depending, I also relax by attending social functions and eating party jollof (laughs). I like watching documentaries and action thrillers, when I can.
Can you recall any memorable moments, growing up as a sports lover?
There are a number of memorable moments. I would include the times I stood on the podium to collect medals I won competing for my school house. I also remember playing in inter club community football matches as a teenager. I remember travelling in my secondary school bus as a supporter of my school team.
What's your favourite local and foreign foods?
Hmmm.. On a general note, I would not say I have a favourite food. I am more interested in food that is delicious, well prepared and nutritious. I like good food.
Nigeria has failed to qualify for the second consecutive World Cup. What'd you say went wrong?
I hold a different view to some people. I am of the opinion that it is not balanced to single out our woes in football and blame the sector for under-performance. This is surely not excusing the sector or defending it. My point is that we need to do a holistic appraisal of our national life. It would seem that every part of our national life needs re-engineering. If other areas are failing, why should football succeed? I guess you read all the scandals around the build-up to our world cup campaign for example. How would you qualify with such scandals? Nigeria needs a reset.
You're a versatile and awards-winning media personality. How do you think we can make entertainment and sports contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria?
These sectors can significantly contribute to our socioeconomic development, reduce youth unemployment and restiveness. Note that these sectors are youth dominated. Nollywood alone, ranked among the world’s largest, is making us proud.Combined, statistics say these sectors can gainfully employ about 5 million people. Imagine taking out that number from our unemployed figures. Improving these identified sectors calls for sustained political will, not the usual ‘touch and go’ support we are so used to.
And support is not just about increasing the budget and spending, because it would seem that’s what many call government support. For sports especially, we need to focus on grassroots sports development. And for Nollywood, provide enabling environment for practitioners to operate; deal with piracy, provide accessible funds and sanitise the industry. There are too many pretenders who parade as practitioners.
If you're going on vacation, which would be your favourite spot?
I ’ve heard a lot about the Caribbeans and Maldives, and would like to visit. Locally, I am a fan of old Calabar of the Donald Duke era. In summary, any location I will feel safe and enjoy the sea is great.
What's the most expensive fashion item, you've spent money on?
A wristwatch, that I also ended up giving away.
How'd you describe yourself?
I would say that I am a cool, calm and collected gentleman, on a good day (laughs). I endeavour to distribute positive energy and look out for others. I believe the best in situations and people.
Tell us about the present programmes you're working on.
Quite a number. I would however, like the results to speak for themselves
Which are your favourite colours?
I like white, I also like blue
Are any of your children doing sports?
Yes, and it is gratifying.
Lastly, what's your advice to the average Nigerian youth?
Define your values, develop a value system, and adhere to it. Build trust and reliability. Don’t take life seriously. Have faith in God.