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Exit of a Safe Hand, Peter ‘Dodo Mayana’ Rufai (1963 – 2025)

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By Eric Elezuo

Like a typical end to a drama act, the curtain fell on one of Nigeria’s influential goalkeepers, Peter Rufai, known widely as Dodo Mayana, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Reports have it that Peter Rufai had battled a protracted ailment before succumbing on that fateful Thursday, becoming the sixth of his contemporaries among the 1994 Super Eagles to depart the earth.

The others are Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Thompson Oliha and Uche Okafor.

He was one of the few players that were both a Green Eagle and a Super Eagle.

Peter Rufai missed an opportunity to become a local king of his Idimu domain just like his father, who held the position passed away in 1998. He rejected the offer, and concentrated on his footballing career, a vocation he loved passionately.

Born in Lagos on August 24, 1963, Rufai started his career in Lagos, playing for Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions before moving to Benin Republic in 1986 where he played for AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé.His sojourn to Benin opened up more international opportunities a she pursued a more a professional level-career, spending six years in Belgium, with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Bevere. In the 1993–94 season he played 12 matches for Dutch neighbours Go Ahead Eagles, which finished 12th in the Eredivisie.In 1994, Rufai moved to Portugal, and starred for S.C. Farense. In his first year, he was instrumental as the Algarve side, conceding 38 goals in 34 matches, and qualifying to the UEFA Cup for the first time ever. It was reported that his solid performances earned him a transfer to the La Liga, though he featured for lowly Hércules CF during his stay, in an eventual relegation.

However, Rufai signed with established Deportivo de La Coruña the ensuing summer, backing up another African, Jacques Songo’o, for two seasons – this included keeping a clean sheet in a January 1998 home win against CD Tenerife (1–0) as the Cameroonian was suspended. He then returned to Portugal for one final year, with modest Gil Vicente FC, also being second-choice.

Rufai returned to Spain in 2003, settling in the country and opening a goalkeeper’s school.

Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998 as their first-choice goalkeeper and also helped the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

He was married to stella Rufai and had 3 children: first son Tunde, first daughter TUtu and another daughter Abiodun. Rufai’s also had other children out of wedlock; one of them, Senbaty, played as a midfielder, having tried for Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigeria Premier League.

As his family plans to release his burial schedule, condolences have continued to be received from across football world, especially among his former teammates.

“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai – a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 Afcon champion,” the Nigeria Football Federation posted on X.

“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.”

Nwankwo Kanu wrote: “We lost an African legend Peter Rufai. May his soul rest well,”

“May your spirit continue to inspire all of us and future generations.”

Also, Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa, noted that “Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.

“Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, Dodo Mayana.”

But in a statement issued by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President paid glowing tribute to the football icon, fondly remembered by fans as “Dodomayana”.

“I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia as the first-choice goalkeeper,” President Tinubu said.

“He followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making, first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed USA ’94.”

The President also highlighted Rufai’s involvement in the 1998 World Cup in France and noted his pioneering role in professionalising Nigerian football, having plied his trade in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

“Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional, playing in many European countries… bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,” he said.

Beyond his footballing achievements, Rufai, a prince of the royal family in Idimu, Lagos, was lauded for his efforts in mentoring the next generation through his Staruf Football Academy. “He continued to inspire, mentor and nurture young footballers,” President Tinubu said.

Expressing shock at Dodo Mayana’s death, another teammate, Mutiu Adepoju said, “We have lost a colleague, a brother, and an African legend, Peter Rufai, our ‘Dodo Mayana’.

“I’m still in shock, and it’s incredibly hard to process this painful news. I pray that your soul rest in perfect peace, and that your family finds comfort in knowing how deeply you were loved, respected, and admired.

“Journey well and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.”

We join the entire nation, and the footballing world to wish Dodo Mayana a smooth passage to the great beyond.

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Dominican University Hails Peter Obi on 65th Birthday

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The Dominican University, Ibadan, has paid glowing tribute to its Pro-Chancellor and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to education, youth development and national progress continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

In a goodwill message issued on Sunday, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jacinta Opara, lauded Obi’s enduring passion for quality education, noting that his consistent investments in human capital and advocacy for educational excellence have strengthened institutions and offered hope to young people across the country.

According to Opara, Obi has, through his public service and private engagements, remained a steadfast champion of education, making it a cornerstone of his vision for national development.

She said his words, actions and unwavering support for learning had reinforced the conviction that education remains the most effective instrument for building a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable society.

The university also expressed appreciation for Obi’s contributions to the institution as Pro-Chancellor, describing his leadership, generosity and guidance as instrumental to its growth and development.

The statement noted that under his stewardship, Dominican University has continued to pursue academic excellence while remaining committed to its mission of producing morally upright and globally competitive graduates.

It read in part: “As a university founded a decade ago on the rich 800-year educational heritage of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), we remain profoundly grateful for your visionary leadership, generous support and invaluable contributions as our Pro-Chancellor.”

The institution joined family members, associates and well-wishers in celebrating Obi’s milestone, praying for continued good health, wisdom, strength and divine guidance as he continues to advocate good governance, human dignity, hope and national development.

The message, signed by the Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s pride in its association with Obi, whose dedication to education, integrity and selfless service, it said, continues to leave a lasting impact on the nation and inspire future generations.

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Ooni of Ife Loses Elder Brother Prince Adetunji

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

The monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.

According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.

The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.

The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.

The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.

The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.

Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.

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Harakati Za Holds Pan-African Conference on Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms, Regional Integration in Accra

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More than 200 delegates from across Africa are expected to converge in Accra on July 24, 2026, for an international conference on “Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms and Integration for Sustainable Development in Africa.”

The conference, organised by Harakati Za Muungano, will take place at the GNAT Hall and will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, youth leaders and development partners to explore practical solutions for accelerating Africa’s development through deeper regional integration.

Harakati Za Muungano, a Swahili phrase meaning “Union Movement,” is a pan-African movement committed to promoting African unity, economic transformation and governance reforms that support sustainable development.

The organisation believes that Africa’s vast human and natural resources can only be fully harnessed through stronger regional cooperation, enhanced intra-African trade and governance systems that place the continent’s long-term development at the centre of public policy.

Since its establishment in November 2023, the movement has expanded its operations to 17 African countries, engaging governments, regional institutions, traditional leaders, professionals, youth groups and community organisations.

Its work focuses on policy advocacy, research, civic engagement and humanitarian initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive development, strengthening regional cooperation and encouraging reforms that improve the quality of life of Africans.

The conference will provide a platform for participants to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including constitutional reforms, economic restructuring, regional market integration, industrialisation, governance continuity and sustainable financing models for development.

Organisers expect the discussions to produce practical recommendations that can inform policy decisions at both national and regional levels.

A major focus of the conference will be the movement’s vision of a more integrated Sub-Saharan Africa where barriers to trade and movement are reduced, economic collaboration is strengthened and governments adopt policies that encourage long-term planning, investment and shared prosperity.

The organisation believes that greater integration will unlock new opportunities for businesses, create jobs, promote industrial growth and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.

Organisers say the conference represents an important opportunity for African leaders and stakeholders to collectively examine bold and innovative approaches to the continent’s future.

With over 200 delegates expected from across the continent, the event is anticipated to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships and advance a shared vision of an economically resilient, politically stable and fully integrated Africa.

-Overseeronline.com

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