By Mikail Mumuni
The Abeokuta Sports Club, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, radiated with history, wellness, brotherhood, and gratitude as the Keep Fit Section under the dynamic Captainship of Mr. Ezekiel Obasanya celebrated its 20th anniversary in a unique dual ceremony held in honor of the section and the birthday of the erstwhile Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR who clocked 65 years.
It became a day when exercise met excellence, when fitness embraced statesmanship, and when a club stood tall to celebrate one of the most celebrated sons of Ogun State.
The celebration commenced at dawn with a symbolic trekking exercise in honor of Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, beginning from the Club and moving through Ibara Housing Estate, Legislative Quarters, NNPC under bridge, Kuto bridge, GTBank, OPIC Roundabout and returning to the Club, signifying endurance, unity, and the forward-moving spirit of progress. The trek was crowned with the ceremonial cutting of cake in honor of the celebrant, sealing joy with smiles, camaraderie, and collective pride.
The pavilion of the Abeokuta Sports Club later became a hub of celebration as members of the Keep Fit Section, other members of the Club, friends, likeminds, admirers and well-wishers poured in to rejoice with the section and to pay glowing tributes to Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR—who was described as an icon of humility, integrity, service, and leadership excellence. Dignitaries in attendance include the Chairman Registered Trustees of the Club; Justice Deinde Soremi JCA, President of Abeokuta Sports Club; Alhaji Laja Awodele, immediate past President of the Club and former Commandant of TRACE; Chief Seni Fatai Ogunyemi, Vice Patron of the Club; Chief Soji Ogunjobi, Pioneer Captain, Keep Fit Section; Mr. Babatunde Oretade, Sports Secretary; Mr. Kuforiji, and Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Development Partners Coordination; Hon. Dr. Bayo Adenekan. The Soccer Section Chairman Mr. Akinremi Akinpelu, the Table Tennis Section Chairman Mr. Olusesi Ayorinde, Captain of Draft Section Alhaji Jamiu Balogun, and Captain of Scotch Section Hon. Dr. Dipo Akingbade also graced the celebration alongside numerous dedicated members and supporters.
A health consultant, Mrs. Adejoke Owolabi, enlightened the gathering with valuable insights on wellness and longevity, strengthening the essence of the Keep Fit mission, while a cascade of goodwill messages rolled in like a river of honor.
Justice Deinde Soremi reminded the audience of the unforgettable reforms achieved during Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR’s tenure as Secretary to the Ogun State Government, especially the significant welfare support that ensured state judges retired with dignity and automobiles—a legacy written in gratitude and governance. Chief Seni Fatai Ogunyemi spoke with unwavering conviction, reassuring Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR of Egba’s readiness to stand with him in any future democratic contest, particularly as Ogun State looks forward with interest to 2027. Alhaji Laja Awodele in the same spirit commended the celebrant for his long-standing commitment and support to the Club.
Emotion found expression, respect found voice, and history found memory as the Keep Fit Section presented an honorary award to Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR for his enduring contributions, generosity, patriotism, and noble character. It was a moment that painted admiration into legacy and gratitude into time.
The day was not just a celebration of twenty years of fitness—it was a celebration of twenty years of resilience, leadership, community, and a future bright with possibility. It was a day Abeokuta stood still to honor the Keep Fit Section and to celebrate one of its finest, His Excellency Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR. And in that memory, a new chapter opens—of strength, loyalty, unity and hope.
Mikail Mumuni is a Nigerian Journalist
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