‘Coach Momah was a builder of men and women, a molder of destinies, and a believer in the limitless potential of those under his guidance’: Kehinde Aladefa pays tribute to departed athletics coach

Hurdler, Kehinde Aladefa, one of the athletes who became a champion in track and field under the guidance and tutelage of coach Harrison Momoh has paid tribute to the man who left this world at the weekend at the age of 83.

Coach Momoh made Kehinde Aladefa a national champion and African Games medalist. Kehinde is just one of the Aladefa’s clan that passed through the tutelage of coach Momoh.

Her twin sister, Taiwo made history as the first Nigerian to break 13 seconds in the 100m hurdles and made it all the way to the Olympics.

Ayo Aladefa, now late, was twice African long jump champion.

In a post copied from Taiwo Aladefa’s Facebook page, Kehinde hailed the late coach was ‘a builder of men and women, a molder of destinies, and a believer in the limitless potential of those under his guidance. ‘

‘Family, friends, and all those who have been touched by the life of this extraordinary man, let’s celebrate and honor the legacy of a giant among us Harrison Obiajulu Momah a coach, a father, a savior, and a true architect of humanity.

‘To say that Coach Momah was simply a coach would be a gross understatement. He was a builder of men and women, a molder of destinies, and a believer in the limitless potential of those under his guidance.

‘He saw not just athletes but individuals with dreams, fears, and untapped greatness. And with unwavering dedication, he nurtured that greatness, shaping raw talent into world-class excellence.

‘I can say with great pride today, not just as someone he mentored but as a product of his faith, his discipline, and his selfless investment in the lives of others.

‘As a young, shy boy, who lacked the confidence to see myself as anything more than ordinary. coach Momah saw a champion in me before I even dared to see it in myself.

‘With the precision of a master craftsman, he built me up, instilling in me a confidence so unshakable that it could rival that of Alexander the Great. And he did it not for recognition, nor for reward, but because it was simply who he was, a man who gave without expectation, who loved without condition, and who dedicated his life to the success of others.

‘Coach Momah’s impact on my family is immeasurable. Before me, he had already nurtured my older brother from a university volleyball player into a track and field star of national renown.

‘He took my twin sister, my brother Ayo, and me—three children who knew little of our own potentials and turned us into world class athletes and Olympians. He gave us direction, purpose, and an unshakable belief in ourselves.

‘His selflessness was unmatched. His work ethic was tireless. His confidence, unwavering. He left an impression on everyone he encountered, and his name is etched in the history of Nigerian track and field.

‘Coaches across the world respected his mind, admired his insight, and sought his wisdom. His impact transcended borders, generations, and disciplines.

‘Coach Momah was more than a mentor, he was a father figure, a beacon of hope, and a man who gave his all to the sport and the people he loved.

‘To say we will miss him is an understatement; we will carry his lessons, his spirit, and his legacy in every race we run, in every competition we face, and in every life we touch, just as he touched ours.

=Rest well, Coach. Your name is written in history, but more importantly, it is written in our hearts. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for shaping us. Thank you for being the man that you were.’