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His Life

Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi - Biography

March 3, 2019

Skippo as he was fondly called by football lovers and well-wishers, could be described as somebody who had a covenant with God Almighty. His life on Earth was astonishing, every point was eventful, like someone born and destined to live, play and manage football from grass-root to the highest level.

Born in Lagos on the 17th August 1953, into a polygamous home of the late Pa. Joshua Ogunjobi and Mrs Abigail Ogunjobi. Chief Taiwo started his education at Osogbo Nursery school. From there, he moved back to Lagos for his elementary education at The Holy Trinity Primary School, Ebute Ero in the heart of Lagos.

On completion of his primary education in 1966 from Holy Trinity Primary School, he gained admission to the African Church Grammar School Ilesha, his ancestral home town in Osun State. There he sat for his West African Examination Council Examination in 1972 and passed in flying colours. He was also the Captain of the school football team.

Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi was preparing for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) but destiny beckoned him as he joined IICC Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan in the same year of 1975; he proceeded to the United States to further his education at Clemson University on a football scholarship.

While at Clemson University, he studied Textile technology but played soccer for the first eleven of the university. He later captained the University team making him the first black man to captain the University team. On graduation from Clemson University, Chief Ogunjobi was voted one of the best all-time players of the school which qualified him into the School’s Hall of Fame. He returned from the US in 1980 and was attached to the National Sports commission, Ibadan, to perform his National Youth Service.

During his service year as well as years to follow, he played and later joined the management of 3SC FC. He remained in the service of Shooting Starts and the Oyo State Government till 1999 before going to manage other Club sides such as Gabros International FC of Nnewi and Julius Berger respectively between 1999 to 2002. He became the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association in January 2002. After leaving the post, he went back to study at the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in Lagos where he bagged a Higher Diploma in Sports Management. He then went on to run a number of businesses and served as Special Adviser on Sports in Osun State. 

His cabinet is full of deservedly earned honors which he acquired all whilst being a loving husband, raising 5 kids and 5 beautiful grandchildren. 

Chief Taiwo/Skippo/Tee Luv/Daddy-daddy/Brother-mi/Big Daddy/Papa lived an exceptional life and will be missed dearly!