Ace sports journalist, Munimi Alao unveils autobiography
By Ehi Braimah
On Sunday, August 10, Mumini Alao, one of Nigeria’s foremost sports journalists, will host family, friends, colleagues and associates at an event in Lagos, to formally present his Autobiography – his third book – which vividly captures his life story as a sports writer and media entrepreneur. Alao also shares stories on his education, private life, challenges, and accomplishments. The book, delivered in his inimitable writing style which has earned him fans all over the world, is a rich and riveting tapestry of the life and times of great, but humble man.
Dignitaries expected at the book presentation and public lecture include the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, who is the guest speaker; Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon Kabiru Amadu, and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, amongst others.
Alao who studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos knew a long time ago that he wanted to be a sports journalist. It is always strategic for one to pick his or her spot early in life and remain focused with the guidance of mentors. That was exactly what Alao did, and he never took his eyes off the ball since the whistle was first sounded when he was a teenager.
In his quest to contribute to the body of knowledge, Alao – a great “Akokite” – went back to the University of Lagos for his Masters and PhD degrees which demonstrates his commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. As a football aficionado and iconic sports writer, his PhD thesis – as you would expect, and you probably guessed right – was on football. His research topic was: ‘‘The Influence of Audience Preference on Media Coverage of Domestic and Foreign Football in Nigeria (2020).’’
Alao and I have come a long way together. He is reliable and can be trusted. He is also a dependable friend and colleague with an unassailable quantum of integrity. I call him “my brother.” Since our paths crossed as fresh graduates 37 years ago at Complete Communications Limited (CCL), the company noted for publishing Complete Football, Complete Sports, Sports Souvenir, Complete Football Extra, International Soccer Review, Complete Football International, and Climax, we have related like Siamese twins.
Our bond of friendship has flourished because of mutual respect and trust between us. How did it all begin? Let us dial back to 1988 when Dr. Emmanuel Sunny Ojeagbase (1950 – 2022), a renowned sports journalist and arguably the doyen of sports publishing in Nigeria, offered Mumini and I employment. Call it an act of providence or mere coincidence, but that was what happened, and we shared the same desk in the newsroom when we resumed for work.
Whereas I did my NYSC (after graduating from the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State) at the Anambra State College of Education, Awka (as it was then known) where I taught mathematics in 1986-87, Alao did his national youth service at the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), Emene, Enugu in 1987-88, where he was a public relations assistant.
