Bode Agoro, the Lagos State Head of Service, reminisces about his vibrant football career with Stationery Stores in the 1980s, a period that shaped his character and ultimately led him down an unexpected path into public service. His passion for the game ignited in primary school, where he captained his team, and continued to blossom at St. Gregory’s College, where he led the team for several years. This early success paved the way for his selection to represent Lagos State in various sports festivals, culminating in his joining the National League team, Stationery Stores, affectionately known as the “darling team of Lagos.” Playing alongside notable figures like Ebitimi Collins, Koya Dosumu, Anobi Issa, and the national team goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, Agoro forged a deep connection with the club, cherishing the camaraderie and the thrill of competition.
Agoro recalls memorable matches against formidable opponents such as NEPA and Leventis United, a team he secretly admired. He vividly recounts playing against his football heroes like Andrew Uwe, Isa Shofoluwe, and John Benson, experiences that fueled his passion for the game. A particularly poignant memory is a match against BCC Lions of Gboko, where, despite the stress of travelling from Lagos to Benue on the day of the match due to exams at LASU, he scored the winning goal, highlighting his dedication and importance to the team. This balancing act between academics and football, strongly encouraged by his parents, a judge and a nurse respectively, played a crucial role in shaping his future trajectory. Their emphasis on education ensured that his academic pursuits were never compromised, a decision that would later prove pivotal.
Agoro’s talent and dedication propelled him to become an indispensable player for Stationery Stores. Despite the challenges of balancing his studies with football, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a first-team regular within a year. This period instilled in him the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, traits that would serve him well in his future career in public service. However, his journey with Stationery Stores, though deeply cherished, was not destined to last forever. An opportunity to train with Leeds United in the UK presented itself, offering a glimpse into a potential professional career abroad.
His time with Leeds United, though promising, was cut short by an injury. This incident, interpreted by his father as a sign to prioritize his education, became a turning point in Agoro’s life. Heeding his father’s advice, he returned to school to pursue an LLB in Law, effectively shifting his focus from the football pitch to the courtroom. After graduating and working in the UK for three years, a sense of patriotism and the desire to contribute to his homeland beckoned him back to Nigeria. This decision coincided with the governorship of Bola Tinubu in Lagos State, and a bold move by Agoro to write a letter to the Governor, attaching his CV and articles he had written, set in motion a chain of events that would dramatically alter the course of his life.
The letter, sent via DHL, landed on the Governor’s desk, resulting in an invitation for an interview. The meeting, though brief, was impactful. After a persistent eight-hour pursuit and a six-hour wait, Agoro finally met with Tinubu. Within six minutes, he was offered a position as a Senior Special Assistant, a testament to his qualifications and the impression he made. This unexpected turn of events solidified his transition from football to public service, marking the beginning of his illustrious career within the Lagos State government.
Reflecting on his time with Stationery Stores, Agoro expresses a mix of nostalgia and regret. He remembers the club as more than just a football team; it was a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of community and shared passion. He fondly recalls the immense support from fans, who filled the stadium even during training sessions. The passion for the club transcended financial considerations, as players often went unpaid for months, highlighting their pure love for the game and the honor of wearing the Stationery Stores jersey. However, the club’s eventual demise evokes a sense of pain and loss, a reminder of the ephemeral nature of even the most beloved institutions. Agoro’s journey, from the football pitch to the highest echelons of public service, stands as a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and the enduring influence of his parents’ emphasis on education. His story underscores the power of seizing opportunities and the unexpected turns that life can take, ultimately leading to a fulfilling and impactful career in service to his community and state.
