•Reveals Why He Is Addicted To Sports
Few days ago, the St. Jude’s Anglican Church, located in the Magodo Shangisha area in Lagos State came to full life when veteran sports broadcaster Deji Omotoyinbo celebrated his 60th birthday in the church.
The ceremony was held in the form of a Thanksgiving service as family, friends and associates joined the celebrant, his wife and their loving children to thank God for the remarkable day. Deji Omotoyinbo is a big deal in sports journalism. He is popular and well-loved by Nigerians as they love to listen and watch him analyse sports on TV and Radio. The way he presents sports shows he is top notch and highly professional. His over 25 years’ experience in the business, shows he has come a long way, making him a veteran.
As the eventful occasion was concluded, City People Reporter, JAMIU ABUBAKAR and Photo Journalist, FEMI ADELEKE got the ever-looking young celebrant to speak on how he found life at 60 and how he intends to take it up from there. Below are the excerpts.
How do you feel celebrating at 60?
Well I thank God; I actually don’t feel 60 to be honest with you. I’m very, very grateful to God for keeping me healthy, for keeping me sound in mind and body at this age. I’m indeed very, very grateful to the almighty.
Why did you celebrate your 60th birthday in the church?
In my difficult times, God was there for me. God and family and that’s why I have made it an event to honour God. And to have families and closest friends; those people who are there for you at your trying are people you should celebrate with. That is what informs the decision. Plus, this is a lent season. It’s a time of modesty in the Christian world, and not the time of lavish celebration. As you can see; it was a modest communion service with gift food packs. We just want to be in the presence of God to thank God for what he has done in my life.
What can you deduce from the lessons of life at 60?
My biggest lesson of life is hard work and contentment. For me, work hard. Try and see what you can do to make a good living and be content with whatever your lot is. Don’t be greedy, don’t covet other people. In due time, God will bless everybody. So just keep working hard and be content with whatever you are blessed with.
Health wise, how have you been keeping fit at 60?
To be honest with you, I’m not really a fitness person but since COVID, I’ve started taking walks. I do long walks; 1 hour walk 3 or 4 times a week. That has helped me. But I did much of that. It was only in 2020 that I started doing any serious exercises. So, I think it’s just the grace of God.
Now that you are 60, is there any of your lifestyle you intend adjusting?
I think I need to slow down a bit in terms of going every morning to go and present shows. Maybe I will slow down a bit on the presentation side. I will focus more on the production side. As you wind down, you have to be cognizant of your age and not work hard as you worked in your 40s. in our industry, there’s no retirement. We can work and work and work till God gives you good strength. So, I will continue to do my bit but you know one needs to slow down so as to maintain good health at all times.
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