By Danjuma Amodu
It was a double celebration for MOP FC Football Academy as the team marked the birthday of its Founder and Chairman, Dr Suleiman Adejoh (Onu 1), with glowing tributes and back-to-back victories in the ongoing FCT FA League, Division 11.
In his birthday month, the Academy defeated Aminu Football Academy (FA) 7-3 in a thrilling opener before sealing a second convincing 4-2 win over Sir P Football Academy (FA) — a result officials described as a perfect birthday gift for its founder.
In his birthday message, Comrade Attah Bawa hailed Dr Adejoh as an exceptional leader, mentor, philanthropist and true Messenger of Peace.
“Your dedication to empowering young people, promoting peace, nurturing talents and making a positive difference in society is truly commendable. May your vision continue to flourish and may your impact reach even greater heights,” Bawa stated.
Similarly, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on behalf of the Academy, Ekpah Raphael Adu-Ojo described Dr Adejoh as a visionary leader whose commitment to youth development, sports and peace-building continues to inspire many.
“From all of us at MOP FC Football Academy, happy birthday to our Founder and Chairman. We thank you for all you do for the team and humanity and wish you more fulfilling and prosperous years ahead in good health,” the post read.
The Academy also congratulated the players for their outstanding display and wished them an injury-free and successful tournament.
More Than a Club: A Pathway to Professional Football and Youth Empowerment
What Dr Adejoh is doing through MOP FC goes beyond floating a football team. It is a deliberate investment in young Nigerians who have a passion for football but lack the platform to express it.
Speaking to our reporter shortly after the triumph over Aminu Football Academy (FA), an elated Dr Adejoh said his mission is to hone the raw talents of youngsters through methodical training and tactical discipline, preparing them for scouts within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, the bigger picture is for Nigeria to benefit as players from the academy progress to age-grade national teams and ultimately the Super Eagles.
For many youths, talent abounds on the streets and school fields but fizzles out without structure. MOP FC provides that structure through professional coaching, physical conditioning, competitive exposure and character building. In an environment where many young people are vulnerable to idleness, drug abuse and crime, the academy keeps them engaged, instils discipline and teamwork, and brings together youths from different ethnic and religious backgrounds to play as one family, thereby promoting unity and social cohesion.
On funding and sustainability, Dr Adejoh said his drive is anchored on passion, patriotism and the desire to take children off the streets by channelling their energy into a viable vocation — a pathway for young athletes to pursue their dreams and attain self-reliance. He added that he remains open to partnership and sponsorship from well-meaning corporate bodies and individuals who believe in Nigeria and the abundance of talent in its youth, through advertising and other mutually beneficial avenues.
Dr Adejoh is the National President of the Messengers of Peace Foundation and Convener of the National Peace Awards. He is also a one-time Secretary of the Patrons Forum of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). Through his foundation, he has led several youth engagement and peace-building campaigns across the country and organised high-profile awards celebrating state actors and captains of industry whose activities engender peace for humanity.
With its recent victories and growing profile, MOP FC Football Academy is positioning itself not merely as a football academy, but as a vehicle for youth empowerment, job creation, peace promotion and national development.
