Dr. Abiodun Isiaka Salami, former Director of Sports at the University of Ibadan, has recounted the inspiring journey that led to the construction of the newly commissioned EX-UIFA 7-Aside astro turf, describing it as a dream conceived years ago and finally realized through unity, determination, and divine grace.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Salami revealed that the idea first emerged during the 2019 EX-UI Footballers Association Reunion, where he proposed that the alumni construct a 5-Aside pitch for the University.
“At the reunion of 2019, I muted the idea of a 5-Aside pitch to be constructed for the University by the Ex-UI Footballers,” he said. “This was discussed at the Exco level first before being thrown for comments from members. It was overwhelmingly supported by the entire members of EX-UIFA; and hence, modalities for its construction started.”

He paid special tribute to the late Mr. Festus Adegoju (Festo), the association’s first Project Manager, recalling his dedication and early commitment to the project.
“He was the one who came to know the initial site for the proposed pitch; and he observed the eagerness in me to see the pitch in place soonest. May his soul continue to rest in peace,” Dr. Salami said.

Dr. Salami praised the collective leadership and cooperation that sustained the vision through years of challenges.
“I want to mention here that the Exco members of the Association, led by Mr. Edwin Evbie, were fantastic and resourceful. The BOT, headed by Mogaji Prof. Segun Adekunle, were very supportive, and the entire members of the Association, both within and outside the country, have been cooperating effectively well,” he said.
“The entirety put up some efforts to see the pitch completed before now, but due to logistics, it was not possible.”

He expressed profound gratitude for the intervention of Renaissance Africa, whose financing finally brought the long-awaited project to completion.
“All thanks and appreciation to God Almighty for the searchlight that got us Renaissance, who financed the construction for us,” he stated.

Describing the newly completed astro turf as “magnificent,” Dr. Salami said it stands as a historic milestone—the first of its kind in UI’s sporting history.
“It is highly memorable and awesome,” he remarked.

A deeply emotional moment for him was the naming of the new spectator stand in his honour—the Dr. Isiaka Abiodun Salami Stand—a gesture he described as profoundly meaningful.
“The honour done to me with the gift of the spectator stand showed my closeness to my players, at different times, all through from 1989 to 2014. They addressed me as father, they called me Emeritus Coach, and we spent memorable periods together during coaching sessions and games meets with mutual understanding, joy, and happiness,” he said.

“So, honouring me with the Stand is an immeasurable gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life. This is also done in my lifetime. I say thank you to them all and thank you God Almighty.”

Dr. Salami’s reflections added a deeply personal and historic dimension to an event that has been widely celebrated as a triumph of alumni commitment, institutional growth, and visionary partnership.