pristinegist 
By Fatai Omar
In the landscape of Kwara sports, one name continues to stand tall — Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, fondly nicknamed Black Lee by former international handball star, Femi Robort. Today, he serves as the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, but to many, he represents much more: a unifier, an icon, and a man whose life has been dedicated to building sports and nurturing people.
Mogaji is not just a sports administrator; he is a Prince of the Ilorin Kingdom and a living legend whose contributions span decades. His journey has been one of resilience and purpose, producing men and women of integrity who continue to make their mark in sports locally and internationally.
Those who have worked closely with him describe him as:
a visionary leader who sees beyond the present, a mentor shaping young talents with wisdom, a resource manager who maximizes limited opportunities,
and an encyclopedia of sports in Kwara State, carrying with him an unmatched wealth of experience.
Under his stewardship, Kwara has witnessed a renewed sense of unity in sports. Mogaji has become the umbrella that brings athletes and administrators together, the bridge builder linking the old with the new, and the voice for the voiceless, ensuring no discipline is left behind.
Perhaps most striking is his commitment to infrastructure. For many, he is “Mr. Project”, a man who believes that lasting transformation in sports cannot happen without facilities to support the dreams of athletes. This commitment has made him central to the ongoing sports revolution in the state.
It is little wonder that he is described as an icon, a unique leader, and a life builder — someone who not only produces results but also inspires loyalty and admiration across generations. His influence extends even beyond Kwara, with recognition such as the Bola Mogaji Forum in Asaba, Delta State, affirming his far-reaching impact.
As he continues his work under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Sardona Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, it is clear that Mogaji’s role in transforming Kwara sports is not just administrative — it is deeply personal. He represents a bridge between tradition and modernity, between vision and action.
Kwara sports today can boast of growth, unity, and direction. For this, credit must go to Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, the man they call Black Lee.
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