The attention of the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Lagos State Chapter, has been drawn to a misleading and malicious publication currently circulating online under the title: “A Call For An Immediate Vote of No Confidence on the Failed Leadership of NDC Lagos.” Ordinarily, the party would not dignify baseless propaganda and politically motivated attacks with a response. However, in the interest of our members, aspirants, supporters, and the general public, it has become necessary to set the record straight and correct the false narratives deliberately being spread to create confusion and disunity within the party. First, we categorically reject the false allegations of extortion, exploitation, and coercion against the leadership of NDC Lagos State. At no point were aspirants forced or compelled to make any unofficial payments. The only approved payments made by aspirants were the officially recognized screening fees as directed and approved by the National ...
By Abioye Tosin Lawrence, Supporter Since 2005
Sometimes around 2005, I sat in front of a television set and watched a team dressed in red and white play football that looked different from every other side in the world. I had watched football before then, but not club football with passion. That night changed everything.
The movement was beautiful.
The passes were magical.
The confidence was contagious.
It was the famous tiki-taka style mixed with the fearless identity of a club that played football with elegance and pride.
Then came the name that echoed across football viewing centres like a sacred anthem, Thierry Henry.
From that day, I promised myself that I would support this beautiful club forever.
Back then in NTA Quarters, Nyanya, Abuja, Arsenal supporters carried themselves differently. Whether rocking the old O2 jersey or later the Fly Emirates shirt, there was always a unique pride attached to being a Gunner. Even a woman in the neighbourhood jokingly identified me through my Arsenal passion.
But supporting Arsenal was never an easy journey.
We endured heartbreak after heartbreak.
I still cannot forget the painful night we lost our grip against Manchester United after a costly mistake from Kieran Gibbs in the UEFA Champions League semi-final. I know one devoted Arsenal fan who went to bed hungry that night, unable to speak to his wife because of the pain football had caused him. That is how emotionally invested Arsenal supporters are.
Then came another heartbreak when Obafemi Martins shattered our dreams in the Carling Cup final. Another year, Chelsea F.C. denied us again. We conquered giants on our way to the Europa League final, only for Chelsea to break our hearts once more.
Yet, we kept believing.
That is what separates Arsenal fans from many others, loyalty in suffering.
When Mikel Arteta arrived, he asked us to “trust the process.” The football world mocked us. Even BBC Yoruba jokingly nicknamed Arsenal “Oriogbade FC” ,the club whose head never wears a crown.
Season after season, we tried.
Season after season, we finished close.
And season after season, many fans quietly sneaked out of football viewing centres to avoid mockery from rival supporters.
But Arteta never stopped believing.
His players never surrendered.
And now, Arsenal’s story has become a message to the entire world: if determination refuses to die, failure can eventually become victory. A club once mocked for always finishing second has now risen to glory against all odds.
Sadly, many loyal Arsenal supporters are no longer alive to witness this beautiful moment they prayed for through the years. May their souls rest in peace.
Today, as Arsenal stand tall once again, this victory belongs not only to the players or the coach, but to every supporter who endured the banter, the disappointments, the near misses, and the ridicule.
When the world laughed at us, we stayed.
When defeat became unbearable, we stayed.
When people called us dreamers, we stayed.
And now, glory has finally answered faithfulness.
Thank you, Arteta, for restoring belief.
Thank you to the players for fighting with courage.
Thank you for silencing those who disrespected this great club.
Now, Arsenal have conquered again.
Congratulations to every Gunner across the world.
Abioye Tosin Lawrence is a Nigerian writer, Publisher of OrionTimes News, and an Arsenal supporter since 2005.
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