By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The Chief Executive Officer of Kayrom Lee Squash and Fitness Centre, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, has been given an honorary award by City Herald Magazine, Lagos, for her selfless contributions to the development of youths and the less privileged in society. City Herald Magazine,
Speaking at the presentation held on Thursday in Ibadan, Dr Dickson Bewaji, the publisher of the magazine, revealed that the motive behind Amb. Ayinde’s choice for the award was based on her contributions to sporting activities in the nation.
He further commended her for championing the rehabilitation of indigent youths in society while appreciating her efforts towards reviving the netball game at the grassroots level and urging her not to relent.
He added, “I am surprised by the development in this sports complex as a result of her magic wand. She has contributed to the development of youthful talents in the nation. Since she came into sports promotion in the country and grooming of youthful talents, we have seen a total difference as many youths have been taken off the streets”.
Responding, Amb. Ayinde, also known as Kayrom Lee, revealed that her poor and humble background necessitated her desire to give back to society.
She recalled, “The kind of background I had put me to this, I suffered amid plenty while growing up. I made sure I trained my siblings to acquire basic skills so they would not become a burden to me later in life. I made sure that my background did not relegate me to the back.
“Though it was tough for me at the beginning, I was not discouraged by my situation. I rose to withstand that face of my life. Any individual passing through tough times should learn valuable lessons from their situation. I have decided to give back to society to appreciate my humble background”.
She, however, promised to continue to contribute to humanity and sporting development in the country.
Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, who is also the pioneer chairperson of the Oyo State Netball Association, recently unveiled a netball game and science laboratory for secondary students in the state.
Alhaja Ayinde, who is the brain behind the Imperial Initiative for Human Development (IIHD), is a businessperson, sports philanthropist, and entrepreneur with investments in agriculture, sport, hospitality, and fashion.
