* Veteran sports journalist recounts lessons from Islam, love, and sports at a star-studded launch in Lagos
By Rasheed Abubakar and Akeem Alao Babatunde
The Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Theatre, University of Lagos, was filled with prominent figures and admirers on Sunday, August 10, 2025, as veteran sports journalist and administrator, Dr. Mumini Alao, publicly presented his much-anticipated autobiography.
Muslim News gathered that the event which attracted family, friends and notable personalities in the sports sector, highlighted the urgent need for a renewed focus on sports in Nigeria, as advocated by the book reviewer and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).
Some of the guests included Minister of State for Industry and former Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh; National Sports Commission Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko; Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; and Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau ably represented by Mr. George Aluo, the Nigeria National League (NNL) Chairman; among others.
While the autobiography chronicles his decades-long career in sports journalism and administration, Alao also devoted a section of the 360-page book to deep personal reflections on his faith, marriage, and family life.
Live and Let Live
Beginning from page 230, the former Complete Sports helmsman wrote candidly about Islam as the anchor of his personal and professional journey, while also explaining his passion for Allah’s ordained religion and the values of peace, respect, and tolerance it instills.
Sharing his philosophy of “Live and Let Live”, Mumini, who is also the president of UNILAG Muslim Alumni (UMA) said, “I do not look down on anyone or think that I am better than them spiritually. I am humbled by the verses of the Holy Qur’an where Allah says we should respect people of other faiths and leave Him to decide in the hereafter on matters that we differ. (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:7).
According to him, “My religion, Islam, is a subject that I am very passionate about. As my knowledge of the understanding of the creed has increased, so have my embrace. I am satisfied with a simple explanation about the concept of One God, the creator of the whole universe, being the only one worthy of spiritual worship; and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was God’s messenger and apostle to mankind. Read the full story in the book.
Marriage, Love Life
The renowned sports journalist also opened up about his marriage to the love of his life and mother to his wonderful children, Alhaja Medinah Temilade, recounting their first meeting in 1992 at the College of Medicine mosque, Idi-Araba, Lagos.
Introduced by mutual friends, Dr. Hakeem Abiola and his wife, Alhaja Fatima who were also present at the book unveiling, Dr. Alao’s friendship with Alhaja Medinah blossomed into marriage in November 1993.
They were all members of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), the Muslim students body that has discovered and produced great leaders in all facets of endeavours.
Standing on the podium on that faithful Sunday, Dr. Alao delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, appreciating family, friends, and colleagues who had walked with him on the journey. He dedicated a special moment to the most important person of all – his wife.
With a smile, he beckoned on her, and she gracefully made her way to the stage in her flowing gown and hijab. In that simple yet touching moment, the audience witnessed the quiet strength behind his success; the woman who had stood by him, supporting him through the highs and lows of life and career. The hall erupted joyfully as he publicly acknowledged her invaluable role.
Not stopping there, Dr. Alao went further to call on another couple who, to the amazement of many, turned out to be the matchmakers – The Abiolas – who brought him and his wife together.
He expressed his gratitude to them, tying the moment beautifully into a story of love, faith, and destiny. It was a powerful reminder that behind every great journey are those who support, connect, and uplift us.
In the excerpt from the book, page 231-32, Dr. Alao wrote: “Incidentally, religion was the primary consideration in choosing my wife, Medinah Temilade. I wanted a woman who understood Islam very well and who would be able to teach it to my children because I knew that my job as a journalist would take me away from home quite often. I found that person in my wife.
“We first met in January 1992 after a Jum’ah (Friday) congregational prayer at the University of Lagos College of Medicine (CMUL) mosque, Idi-Araba in Surulere, Lagos. We were introduced by Dr. Hakeem Abiola, a mutual friend who was my contemporary in the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) at the University of Lagos. Hakeem’s wife, Fatimah, also happened to be my wife’s friend from their own time together in the MSSN, so the Abiolas became our match-makers.
Get a copy of the book to read more.
Alao’s storytelling extends beyond family to cherished memories of global travels with his wife, from a breathtaking train ride through the Alps in 2007 to their 25th wedding anniversary trip across the United States in 2018.
He also revealed a surprising passion for fixing, organizing, and cleaning – skills he attributed to his father’s insistence on practical training from childhood.
Reflecting on his wider family background, Alao acknowledged being raised in a large polygamous household of 15 children, where discipline and unity shaped his outlook. Despite the challenges, he said the bond among his siblings remains strong, a legacy of their father’s values.
The public presentation of Dr. Mumini Alao’s autobiography was not just a literary milestone but also a celebration of a life shaped by faith, family, and a distinguished career in sports journalism.
Other faces at the unveiling
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