Prof S. T. Hon, SAN Named Pillar of Sports

Professor of Legal Practice and Law Author, Sebastine Tar Hon, SAN, was last week in Gboko, Benue State named Pillar of Sports by Maximum Fitness and Wellness Services in collaboration with Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, a registered charity that is non-partisan, non-political, non-religious, and non-profit.  

In a chat with  one of the organisers of the Tournament, Dr Jeffrey Kuraun said: “This is our maiden edition, and arguably the first of its kind in Benue State. It was a momentous occasion, as we honoured several deserving individuals, including Prof S. Tar Hon, SAN, with the Pillar of Sports in Gboko Award.

“Our aim is to recognise and celebrate the achievements of these individuals, while also promoting sports development and encouraging others to emulate their examples.

“On the Pillar of Sports Award and Prof S.T. Hon, SAN, we chose to confer the Pillar of Sports Award on Prof. S.T. Hon, SAN, because of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Gboko, Benue State.

“Despite being a Professor of Law, he has demonstrated a remarkable passion for football, and his efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many young people.

“As an award recipient, Prof S.T. Hon, SAN, will be expected to continue promoting sports development and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. We also hope that he will serve as a role model and mentor to young people, sharing his knowledge and experience to help them achieve their goals”, Dr  Kuraun said.

Prof S.T. Hon, SAN said: “I feel highly honoured to be conferred with the award. Never dreamt of it; only used to read about Chief MKO Abiola, GCFR as the Pillar of Sports in Africa. Even though mine is merely microscopic, I greatly cherish and value it. Additionally, one feels really good that one’s modest efforts are being recognised and appreciated. Above all, I thank Jehovah God Almighty for His mercies and faithfulness.

Fielding questions on his track record as a Sportsman, Hon, SAN said: “I started playing football at a very tender age, right from when I was in primary school. I could score up to four goals in a football match, even though playing from the wings. You understand what I mean?

“At the School of Basic Studies, I played for the school team. I was commonly known as the “Maradona,” because of my dribbling skills and scoring ability. Off school, I used to play for Junior Hawks.

“I didn’t play for UNIJOS where I read Law, because I refused to show up on the field of play because  ‘Lawyers do not play football’. Out of sheer youthful exuberance, however, I showed up late at the Akwa Ibom State NYSC football team training ground. 

“That was how they started calling me ‘Stephen Keshi’, due to how I handled that position. There are other details I will not mention here; but, football was not well-paying then. I wouldn’t say I would have preferred football to law.

“This Award will definitely spur me on. For instance, I am planning a Football Academy in Gboko. I will say no more.  Football is important to international diplomacy and politics. I do not need to elaborate more on this, as it is common knowledge. Then, sporting giants are informal Ambassadors of their home countries, attracting all that could flow into their mother countries and or States. Repatriation of funds from the host to the home countries is a common feature, when successful sports men and women ply their skills in foreign countries.”