Popoola Babatunde Afolayan, porularly known as “Popson,” is a distinguished sports administrator who hails from Osun State. With a career spanning decades, Popoola has played a pivotal role in the world of sports, earning accolades and recognition for his exemplary contributions.
Biographical Details:
Full Name: Popoola Babatunde Afolayan
Nickname: Popson
Place of Birth: Oke – Ila, Osun State
State of Origin: Osun State
Local Government Area: Ifedayo, Osun State
Education:
- B. Sc Hons in Physical Education from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- Associate Chartered Cost Management Member
- M.B.A. in Business Administration and Human Resources
Work Experiences
- Secretary General, Nigeria Olympic Committee: Popoola holds the esteemed position of Secretary General at the Nigeria Olympic Committee. His dedication and leadership have been instrumental in the country’s Olympic pursuits.
- Head of Sports at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.
- Hockey Coach: Drawing from his rich experience in the sports world, Popoola has served as a hockey coach at various levels, contributing significantly to the development of this dynamic sport.
- Oyo State Sports Council, Ibadan, Oyo State: His commitment to sports extended to the Oyo State Sports Council, where he contributed to the promotion and growth of sports in the region.
- National Sports Commission, National Stadium, Lagos: Popoola’s journey also took him to the National Sports Commission, where he continued to make valuable contributions.
Awards & Honors
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Throughout his illustrious career, Popoola has received several prestigious awards, reflecting his outstanding dedication to sports:
- 1981: Most Valuable Player Award in Hockey – John F. Kennedy Memorial Tournament, Washington DC, USA.
- 1982: Director of Sports – Students at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
- 1983: Alumni Award for Best Leadership Quality from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
- 1985: Most Valuable Player Award in Hockey – Lagos State Sports Council, Lagos State.
- 1987: Most Valuable Player Award in Hockey – Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.
- 1980 – 1986: Captain of Union Bank Hockey Club.
- 1988 – 1991: Nigeria Hockey Captain, leading the national team.
- 1991: General Captain of the Nigerian Contingent to the All Africa Games in Cairo, Egypt.
- 1995 – 1997: Vice President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation.
- 1995 – 1999: Member of the Africa Hockey Federation Technical Committee.
- 1999 – 2002: Member of the Africa Hockey Federation Umpires Committee.
- 1995 – Date: Executive Member of the Nigeria Hockey Federation Board.
- 2002 – 2006: Tournament Director within the Nigeria Hockey Federation Board.
- 2003 – 2017: Chairman of the Lagos State Hockey Association Board.
- 2008 – Date: Member of the Africa Hockey Federation Marketing Committee.
Appointments:
Popoola’s contributions also extended to key appointments in sports:
- 1995: Manager of the Nigeria Hockey Team for the All Africa Games in Zimbabwe.
- 1996: Served as a Judge at the Africa Cup for Club Championship in Zimbabwe.
- 1996: Acted as an Umpire during the Nigeria/Ghana Bilateral Games in Accra, Ghana.
- 1997: Judged at the Africa Cup of Nations in Zimbabwe.
- 1999: Held the position of Judge at the All Africa Games in South Africa.
- 2003: Assumed the role of Hockey Facility Manager at the 8th All Africa Games in Abuja.
Leadership and Mentoring
Popoola is not just an accomplished sports administrator; he is a natural leader who has effectively mentored, inspired, and led diverse groups of individuals to achieve their objectives. His friendly, approachable demeanor and exemplary work ethic make him an inspiring professional who leads by example.
Popoola Babatunde Afolayan, the Chairman of the newly inaugurated 9-member committee tasked with assisting in the planning and implementation of the Osun State Sports Commission, embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports.
