Chairman of Brila Media, Dr. Larry Izamoje, has paid an emotional tribute to late Super Eagles legend, Peter Rufai, describing his death as deeply shocking and personal.
Dr. Izamoje began by recalling Rufai’s personal and professional ties with Brila Media, noting that the iconic goalkeeper was more than just a consultant.
“Well, the news of his passing was shocking and threw us into disbelief that’s hitting us hard because personally and professionally, he was a friend of the house.”
“Peter ‘Dodo Mayana’ Rufai was for many, many years one of our consultants, someone who helped this brand in many ways, took us into the inner workings of the national team, players gathering, the thinking of players about matches, what goes on in the minds of the coaches, the intrigues here and there, conflicts, friendship, and every other thing.”
He stressed Rufai’s invaluable contributions to Nigerian football and to Brila Media’s radio programs.
“There was nothing about the national team he did not share with us. Also on radio, with you guys who listened when he was one of our on-air talent on a consultancy basis.”
“But life, this is how life goes. You come, you stay, you go, and what you leave is the impact you’ve made.”
Reflecting on Rufai’s impact, Dr. Izamoje affirmed that the goalkeeper made the most of his years, leaving a lasting legacy.
“Did he make the kind of impact that the years God gave him would have allowed him to do? In capital letters, the answer is yes, he did.”
“And apart from that, he showed real love for the game, showed that he also wanted to pass the baton to others to build for Nigeria, young boys and girls who will be great footballers and also very good goalkeepers.”
He also encouraged young players from the Peter Rufai Academy, urging them to honour his legacy.
“To those who passed through the Peter Rufai Academy, I want to say, do well, get to the dizzying heights, because that will be your tribute to the great Dodo Mayana.”
Recalling Rufai’s vibrant personality, Dr. Izamoje fondly remembered his trademark humour and warmth.
“You call him Peter Rufai, Dodo Mayana, and he replies by saying, Mayana Dodo. And then you see broad smiles playing on his face, on his lips.”
“That’s just life. It’s shocking, very shocking. And for me personally, it’s been a moment of disbelief because that’s a very close friend, really close friend.”
He went on to share fond personal memories of Rufai’s frequent visits to Brila, their coffee chats, and heartfelt conversations, describing him as genial, amiable, and full of life.
“I won’t forget those evenings coming to Brila to do his programs. The first thing he did almost every day was to come upstairs to my office and for about 10, 15 minutes before his shows, we would share coffee, talk about the national team, talk about life, talk about things, banter, real friendship, and shared dreams.”
“And here we are. You just sit and you hear these disturbing news, something that hits you like a thunderbolt.”
He concluded his tribute with a heartfelt prayer, surrendering to God’s will.
“Well, we surrender to God Almighty. He remained very friendly, very close, very genial, amiable, very, very friendly. He lit up rooms and has left life better than he met it.”
“We want to console the family. We want to sympathize with the football fraternity and say to God Almighty, please, grant our dear Dodo Mayana Peter Rufai eternal rest.”
“This one hit home. We are still in shock.”
