When you think of it, there are no coincidences in the universe. Every event is a continuous reaction in the grand scheme of things, every idea, every thought and every action is fabricating the next grand occurrence.
The idea of Jolly F.C. was conceived when a group of friends acquainted by the education they acquired in Russia but bonded by the joviality of friendship attended the child dedication of Samuel Nabena on the 7th of June, 2015.
A discussion bothering on the fitness levels pre and post-university years ensued and a suggestion to meet at the stadium to play football was finalized. On arrival, they had to locate a small marshy part of the stadium and placed used tires as goalposts.
On this very day, the first football was purchased by now the pioneer chairman of the club, Kesiye Sagbe and after a few trainings together, they metamorphosed into a more organized unit. Samuel Nabena, Tuatei Fawei, Fidelis Yom and Nnaemeka Anucha contributed to purchase the first goal post (Monkey). Pius Bawa, Boma Ngo Fubara , Stephen Udeji and Junior Agada were the first additions to the team. This now expanded group of members unanimously agreed to make Fidelis Yom the captain of the team which was the first functional position.
Using his position, the captain then nominated Samuel Nabena and Kesiye Sagbe as Team Managers which was accepted by the team. Fidelis Yom and Orukari Bokumo bought the first football vest for proper identification of players and for the purpose of uniformity during trainings after which the club agreed to be paying a monthly subscription fee of ₦500 to support the operations of the club.
The club was named JOLLY FOOTBALL CLUB by Kesiye Sagbe. Every member thought the name befitting as it reflected their way of life and Fidelis Yom suggested we have a salute with the slogan “Merriment & Fitness” which was also unanimously agreed by all.
Soon, more members started trickling in when they saw how respectfully and empathetically this group of friends expressed themselves and further strengthened their bonds week-in week-out.
They were soon left to be nomadic club moving from one training pitch to the other when the Rivers State Government converted their training pitch into a car park for the construction of the Real Madrid Football Academy, however, they were not dithered, fueled by the desire to keep fit and to maintain the camaraderie of brotherliness.
The club’s values were put to the test when individual personalities emerged within the team questioned the leadership direction of the club. The club leadership set up a compliance and reconciliation committee (CARC) comprising Bawa Pius (Head of the team), Agada Omale, Chidubem Atuegbu, Afie Jumbo, Amadi Fortune Chikezie, (members) to look into their suggestions and grievances. These personalities were summoned by a team of five members with the aim of addressing their concerns.
However, their divisive conduct led the reconciliation panel to indefinitely suspend the five erring members. The decision consequently led to the team losing half of its members.
Football-wise, the club has played with some notable football clubs/institutions such as Goldashe F.C. of Port Harcourt, Pegasus F.C. of Eket, Port Harcourt International All-Stars, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board of Bayelsa, Petroleum Training Institute Warri, of Delta State.
Jolly F.C. transcends being just a football club; suffice to refer to it as an extended family unit. They uplift each other, whether it’s career-wise, emotionally, financially and otherwise. They are always on the lookout for each other and never pass an opportunity to consolidate the core values of their brotherhood.
In line with the vision and forward outlook for the future, the club plans to undertake the construction of a games village and a football academy for kids as their permanent home. This project will create sustainability and economic viability for the benefit of not only members but the society at large. Jolly F.C. now look forward with huge optimism to a long and largely fruitful years ahead in their development.
In 2022, the club shot and released her first documentary (The Transfiguration) which went on to be selected to screen at the Prestigious Sportfilm Festival Liberec in Czech Republic.
