Kaybobo Reveals How His Mother Initially Opposed His Basketball Dream, Pledges Massive Support for Ekiti Youths

Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 10 housemate, Kayode Oladele, popularly known as Kaybobo, has opened up about how his mother once tried to stop him from playing basketball—a decision that could have changed the entire course of his life.

Kaybobo shared the story while addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ekiti State chapter, in Ado-Ekiti. He said it took the intervention of his coach, Tayo Awojurin, to convince his mother to allow him continue the sport that eventually opened international doors for him.

The reality star, who grew up in Ado-Ekiti, said playing basketball for Christ School and All Souls Secondary School transformed his life, taking him from Ekiti to Lagos and eventually overseas, where he bagged university degrees and earned global exposure.

Now, he is giving back.

Through his Kaybobo Youth Foundation, he pledged unwavering support for Ekiti youths, especially those aspiring to build careers in sports.

“I am assuring every youth in Ekiti who wishes to play basketball that I am going to support them to become professional players and sports personalities,” he said.

Beyond sports, Kaybobo says he plans to invest in fashion, tourism, entertainment, and the arts—expanding opportunities for young talents across multiple sectors. He also donated 20 customized caps to members of SWAN, a gesture appreciated by the association’s chairman, Qozeem Oladapo, who promised full support for his mission.

Opinion: Kaybobo’s Story Is a Powerful Reminder to Nigerian Parents—Support Can Change a Child’s Destiny

Kaybobo’s testimony is more than a personal story—it is a reflection of a common Nigerian reality. Many parents often discourage their children from pursuing sports or creative paths, driven by fear of uncertainty or societal pressure to “stick to books.” But Kaybobo’s journey proves something vital: sometimes, a child just needs one parent, one coach, or one mentor to believe in them.

If his mother had succeeded in stopping him, Ekiti would have lost an international talent—and thousands of youths would not have found a role model returning home to invest in their future.

His foundation could become a pipeline of opportunities for many who feel unseen or unsupported. And it also challenges parents to rethink the limits they place on their children. Support doesn’t mean abandoning discipline or academics—it simply means giving room for talent to grow.

Kaybobo’s return to Ekiti is more than a homecoming; it is a hopeful promise that passion, when nurtured, can bloom beyond imagination.