Press Releases

Fashola Unveils Rededicated Sam Okwaraji Memorial Garden
…pledges that labours of heroes past shall not be in vain

Aug 12, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Wednesday unveiled a Rededicated Memorial Garden in Memory of Late Footballer, Sam Okwaraji, pledging that the Government will ensure that the labours of past heroes shall not be in vain.

Governor Fashola spoke at the frontage of the National Stadium in Surulere location of the garden which was reconstructed by the Lagos State Government as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of Sam Okwaraji’s death.

Governor Fashola explained that the he hopes with the gesture, the State has been able to impact the value of national and public service to the present generation of Nigerians Youths.

Said he: “We are here to celebrate a true Nigerian hero as we have been celebrating our heroes from M.K.O Abiola to Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the late Justice Muri Okunola, Senator Bola Tinubu who are our living and dead patriots”.

He described late Sam Okwaraji as a youngman who led his peers by example, a role model and a truly talented sportsman that was immensely educated.

“Literally, Sam was ready to die for his country and I believe he demonstrated that before he died and by the circumstances leading to his death”, Governor Fashola added.

Governor Fashola said it was a welcome coincidence that the 20th anniversary of Sam Okwaraji’s transition happens to be Year 2009 which is a year that the State has elected to spend more time and resources on matters which concern young people and women.

In their tribute to late Sam Okwaraji, a former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Eguavon commended Governor Fashola for undertaking to immortalize Sam Okwaraji, adding that he should be emulated.

Austin Eguavon added that the gesture will also ginger people to know that when they put in optimum efforts in the service of their fatherland, they would be appreciated one day.

In his own tribute, former Goalkeeper, Alloy Agu commended the gesture of Governor Fashola adding that it has reunited players who have not seen themselves in the last 20 years

Governor Fashola later unveiled the bust of Okwaraji which is in the centre of the memorial garden before proceeding to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere where the 1989 Green Eagles team engaged the All Stars team from Lagos in a novelty match.

The match which had the kick off being taken by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) was won by the 1989 Green Eagles by two goals to one.

The event was witnessed by the Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas, Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Prince Ademola Adeniji Adele, Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Sesan Olanrewaju and many ex footballers.