This turf was originally crafted to be a feel-good space,where notable recollections of events and personalities that shaped and continue to deepen the Enyimba FC legacy are served. To relive the good vibes,enliven memories and nostalgic encounters,and place them on record for today and posterity.
However, it’s difficult to escape the gloom that currently pervades the club. And all the tardiness that have come to be associated with Enyimba FC in recent years. Tales of in-fighting and sabotage at the top echelon of the club, impacting negatively on – team building, scouting and recruitment, welfare and logistics. And the latest, pulling out of a scheduled and well publicized pre-season tourney without a cogent sporting reason.
Administrative transitions are not easy to navigate. Some organizations prefer to promote from within their ranks,a competent and capable member of staff who had paid his dues in the firm and knows the workings and core ethos at the establishment to foster a seamless transition.While others elect to headhunt the head honcho from outside ,to bring new ideas and breathe fresh air into the affairs of the firm. Whichever way, focus is always placed on the competence, capacity and character of the candidate.
20 years ago,questions were asked – what would become of Enyimba FC after the tenure of Gov OUK? A man who dared the fans to dream and lit the flame of enthusiasm, passion and success at the club. How would the club cope with a less sports-loving governor with other priorities and state matters competing for attention and resources?
Successive governors of the state answered the questions in part by maintaining the shift at the club under FAA, who in turn ran a tight ship without letting out his struggles. Interestingly,he led the club to NPFL title triumphs in general election years that ushered in new transitions and heralding new governors in 2007, 2015 and 2023. Charm offensive of some sorts.
While the triumph in 2007 and 2015 had the Government House bask in the euphoria of the victory early on in their first term in office and sanctioned his extended time at the club.That of 2023 didn’t cut the mustard on the occupant, hence swiftly effected changes to nail on the effect of a new sheriff in town. Change is inevitable in life,however it should be progressive change in the real sense of the word. Not retrogressive.
A lot was said about his choices for the Aba giants being on sentimental grounds rather than anything else. Persons with no early or previous affiliations to the club or affinity with the city.But I argued ,that their exposure and experience garnered over many years of playing at the top levels of the game for club and country would rub off on Enyimba FC and improve the fortunes of the club in critical areas like – Commercials and Marketing, Media and Communication, Scouting and Recruitment, Player welfare and Travel Logistics, etc
I find it mentally draining to dwell too much on the ills without proffering solutions to bring about positive change. But do those at the helm of affairs care a hoot about what is said here. The opportunity to leverage on the continental success and clout of the club to build a strong institution was frittered away. However as a Chinese proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago,the second best time is now”. This is the time to stop digging and seek ways to exit the hole we find ourselves.
Building an institution goes beyond brick and mortar. It’s about breathing life into every department of an organization and have them deliver on assigned mandates. The debate on STRONG INSTITUTIONS vs STRONG MEN in institutions often resonate. Strong Institutions largely function optimally irrespective of the strength or weakness of the chief executive. But strong men in institutions see the top office shrink to the size of the occupant,hence turn the firm to the lengthened shadow of the Chief Executive. We have experienced the latter, now let’s turn to the former, to engender sustainable development.
Feel-good vibes return next time.
‘EnyimbaEnyi
