On the night of Friday, 4th May 2018, I learnt of the news confirming the death of the Honorary FUFA President and FUFA Chairman (1965-1968), Al Hajji Adoko Akbar Nekyon, with profound grief.
That time, I had just covered the Vipers against Police Uganda Premier League match at St Mary’s Kitende as I traveled back home to Entebbe for rest.
I developed goose pimples, a severe headache from nowhere, was restless and felt uneasy for the better part of the subsequent weekend.
Adoko died on Friday, 4th May 2018 at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala after a long time of ill health following a stroke.
There could be decades of years separating yours truly with the deceased but I must vividly confess, we had a strong bond for a reason or another whose nitty nitty deserves another worthy script for another column.
The bond was developed three years ago when I learnt that the late Adoko was the seating FUFA President in 1968 when the first ever national football league in Uganda was played.
In 2015, he was bestowed the title of Honorary FUFA President by the FUFA Assembly held in Soroti.
Towards that Assembly, I happened to have been one of the journalists who sought for the aged celebrated sports administrator for an interview.
He was jolly at all times, so welcoming, accommodative and supportive throughout the time I interviewed him.
A learned scholar from Kerala University (India) for 5 years where he obtained a masters in economics with political science, the late Adoko was also a hands-on administrator who was later honored by parliament of the Republic of Uganda during the 50th independence anniversary celebration for life time achiever for Uganda.
He was also awarded an Honorary Ph.D by Makerere University for his tremendous contribution to field of academics (English Literature – published five Literature Books).
A shrewd politician who served as a member of parliament of the legislative assembly in the parliament of Uganda for 18 years including constituent assembly, a cabinet minister in Uganda government for 7 years and as well, the general manager of the defunct Uganda Airlines.
Such achievements and a rich profile are no mean feat for any ordinary person and are yearned for by many, as well as enviable by a fraction.
He remained as humbled as a cucumber despite the volume of achievements and landmark deeds accomplished.
During the 93rd FUFA Ordinary Assembly, he surprised many with a guest appearance at Masindi Hotel.
He shared ideas freely, smiled aloud and was welcoming every delegate as well as everybody in his midst.
I felt special joy deep in my heart when the 91st FUFA Assembly that convened in Soroti recognized him (albeit in absentia) and he was bestowed with the prestigious title of Honorary FUFA President.
Such a leader, knowledgeable and accommodative is what modern day sport craves for.
Football and a few other sports are blessed with such breeds at the moment and it is what is demanded day in, day out for the prosperity of sports in the country and the region.
For all your deeds, Al Hajji Adoko, may Allah Bless your soul in peace for eternity.
Profile:
- Born 6th August 1931 at Akokoro, Lango District to chief Jekeri Akaki and Abisagiri Koli.
- Studied at Ibuje Primary ,Ngora Secondary and Kings College Buddo
- Joined Kerala University (India) for 5 years and obtained masters in economics with political science
- Served in the colonial civil service as a clerk-interpreter for one year.
- Elected and served as the first president of FUFA in 1968 after change of name from UFA
- Engineered formation of FUFA from UFA
- Founded the first Uganda National Football League in 1968
- Founded the National Council of Sports in 1964 and appointed Mr Bataringaya Basil as the 1st chairman of NCS
- Got to love football from his Elder brother Erifazi Odur
- He has received several honors in relation to his contributions to various aspects in Uganda that is; he was honored by parliament of the Republic of Uganda during the 50th independence anniversary celebration for life time achiever for Uganda, Awarded Honorary Ph.D by Makerere University for his tremendous contribution to field of academics (English literature- published five literature
Books). - Served as a member of parliament of the legislative assembly in the parliament of Uganda for 18 years including constituent assembly.
- Served as a cabinet minister in Uganda government for 7 years
- Served as the general manager of the defunct Uganda Airlines
- He was bestowed the title of Honorary FUFA President in 2015 by the FUFA Assembly held in Soroti.
- On May 4th 2018, he was declared dead at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala after a long period of illness following a stroke
