By KATE OBODO
Amaju Melvin Pinnick, is a man who knows his mettle as a sport administrator. Having risen through the ranks to become the chairman of  Delta State Football Association, he understands the game of football. And as Chairman of the State’s Sports Commission, in terms of delivery, he knows what to do to distinguish his State  from other States of federation.

In this interview with Hi Groove, the sports technocrat speaks on his love for fashion, how he met his wife  amongst other issues raised by our reporter.

Excerpt:

Growing up

I’m the fifteenth child in a family of nineteen children (two are deceased) . Born to a polygamous father, the late Chief Oritsetimeyin Japhet Pinnick, I’m the last child from my mother side.

*Pinnick

Growing up in a polygamous setting was full of memories as we were brought up in an atmosphere of peace, love and unity of purpose despite the fact that some of us are from different mothers.

My father worked with the U.A.C in the 30s, where he rose to become one of the company’s pioneer Nigerian managers.

He gave his family a modest lifestyle and his topmost priority was the welfare and well-being of the children. He never compromised on discipline.

I was barely twelve (12) years  when my dad passed on. Upon his death, things changed for the worse as we had to face the harsh realities of losing a very caring father and a breadwinner.

My mother, Madam Rebecca Ayomike, a petty trader worked extra hard as she struggled to keep alive the dream of educating us.

So, I grew-up in a middle-class neighbourhood.Being a  disciplinarian, my father would want us to stay indoors to avoid keeping strange companies. However, as a child, I would sneak out of the house to mingle with my pals. Most times, I got punished for this yet I was never deterred.

At times, my dad wondered  what kind of child I was. Whatever I experienced then, contributed to my success story today. One thing he always wished for his children, was to be educated and I think that dream was fulfilled in me.

Venturing into sports

Prior to my venturing into sports, my primary area of interest, especially during my high school days, was partaking in debates. I used to be the head of my school (Hussey College) debate team. As a result, I won countless laurels.

In one of our outings in 1986, Mr. Dafe Onojowho, the former Chairman of the Editorial Board of Punch Newspapers, then HOD, English Department, College of Education, Warri said to me “ I see a great man in you and a good public speaker.”

This remark has remained indelible in my memory.

Sports has been an integral part of me since my childhood. At the University of Benin, where I studied Political Science/Public Administration and graduated with a second class upper in 1994, my interest in  sports especially football knew no bounds.

During the over four weeks of FIFA sojourn in Nigeria, I worked in the Technical Study Group (TSG) under Walter Gagg, with the Event Manager, Michael Bakini and ended up being one of the direct aides to the FIFA President, Mr. Joseph Sepp Blatter.

It needs not be overstated that my position as the Personnel Assistant to the FIFA President, Mr. Joseph Sepp Blatter during the tournament amongst other roles, remained a defining moment in my life in terms of sports administration. Since then,  I have attended series of national and international workshops, seminars, expo and conferences that had adequately prepared me for the challenges of sports administration.

Sports development in Delta

As Chairman of both the  Delta State Sports Commission and Delta  Football Association,(DFA), I have received many accolades and achieved feats which have been the force behind the growth of  sports in Delta State.

We have trained more than 100 coaches at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos and the College of Physical and Health Education, Mosogor, Delta State respectively in the last eight years. Apart from sponsoring the yearly copper test and seminar for referees for the past five years, for the past 11 consecutive years, we’ve secured the longest football sponsorship deal in Nigeria’s sports administration(FA) history  with Oceanic Bank (now Ecobank).

We have been able to intern a lot of our coaches and athletes overseas.

Women and I

I pay more attention to my family because I have a wife who is a combination of beauty and brain. And my three lovely  kids are very dear to my heart. I try not to be distracted by any woman. Though I have a lot of female friends within and outside the shores of this country, I know where to draw the line.

Meeting my Wife

It was love at first sight. I spotted her first time at a wedding ceremony.

Again, I ran into her in the company of her siblings at a club the same day. Immediately, I approached her and made my intention known to her. I acknowledged her beauty and thereafter proposed. Initially,  she was  skeptical, especially in view of the fact that we hailed from two different cultures.

I am an Itsekiri man while she hails  from Abia State. My parents and  siblings wanted me to marry from my tribe, but the good news is that at the end of the day, love prevailed and everyone gave us their support.

My leisure

I do a lot of swimming as well as other exercises. I don’t drink or smoke. I’m an introvert.

Dress sense

In all modesty, I love fashion a lot. I also love wrist watches and perfumes, no matter the cost. I love good quality clothes and shoes with or without label. I love the Itsekiri traditional outfit which I wear mainly on special occassions.

My mood affects the way I dress.  But most importantly, I dress with a good combination of colours.

Relaxation

I spend quality time watching movies with my family. I love my family a lot and whenever I’m around I always stay close to them. Sometimes, I swim or read stories to my two younger kids.