Adeola Ajayi may not be one of the popular basketball names that have played to the national team level and earned medal for Nigeria like Julius Nwosu, Tunji Awojobi, Olumide Oyedeji, Chamberlin Oguche, Ike Diogu to mention a few but like many before him, he did not allow the lack of fame on the court debar him from following his dreams.
The founder and CEO of the Adeola Ajayi Foundation have been in the area of giving back to society through basketball camps and clinics. After many years of holding the program on a manageable court in his hometown in, Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, Adeola has decided to put up a permanent structure for the children around the environs of his community which will be unveiled on April 15.
In this interview with JOE APU, he gives an insight the story of his journey to America and what has inspired him like Masai Ujiri to provide a playing facility for his community among other issues.
Enjoy the interview.
Let’s start by getting to know Adeola Ajayi, also known as ‘Pastor.’
My name is Adeola Oluwatoyin Ajayi, but in the basketball community, I’m known as ‘Pastor.’ In the U.S., most people call me AD. I was born at No. 2 Lagos Street in Ebute Meta, Lagos, and later, my family moved to Sango Ota, Ogun State. Today, I live in Kansas City, Missouri.
How did you get the nickname “Pastor”?
I grew up loving to go to church, attending vigils, leading youth Bible studies, and even preaching on the streets at one point. But the nickname “Pastor” actually came about in a different way.
My father, Idowu Ajayi, always taught us to reject negativity—never to accept curses or negative words about our future. He spoke positivity into our lives, even when things were tough.
One night at the basketball court, a friend jokingly said, “Oni she ori re” (which means “your destiny is doomed”). I got so upset that we nearly fought. From that day, I made it clear that no one should ever speak negativity over my life. My teammates found it funny and started calling me “Pastor”—and the name stuck!
Tell us about your basketball journey. Did the game come naturally to you?
Not at all! I was actually more into soccer when we first moved to Sango Ota. My older brother, Shola Ajayi, introduced me to basketball, but I wasn’t interested at first, I didn’t have the right shoes, and I didn’t think it was for me.
Continued online
Shola didn’t give up. He kept insisting, even yelling at me until I finally agreed to go with him. That day changed everything. I fell in love with the game. We formed a team called the Warlords, and our coach, Peter Akindele, believed in us. People quickly noticed that I was a strong shooter.
That same year, Coach Peter Ahmedu moved near our basketball court. One day, he introduced himself and told us he had connections with the Warriors Basketball Club. He invited us over, and that was the first time I saw an NBA poster with players like Olumide Oyedeji, Gary Payton, and Ray Allen. He also had a TV with NBA tapes. Seeing that poster, made me dream of being in the U.S. one day. From then on, I followed him everywhere.
At the time, I was working in a factory in Sango while playing basketball. When I got laid off, I used my savings to enroll in the Warriors Basketball Academy, hoping it would give me a chance to play in the U.S.
How long were you with the Warriors Basketball Academy?
I trained with the Warriors Basketball Academy for three years before earning a basketball scholarship to study and play in the U.S.
Like many ambitious players, you traveled to the U.S. for school and basketball. What was that experience like?
It was one of the toughest experiences of my life.
Shortly after arriving at The Rock School in Florida, I developed severe shin pain that completely derailed my basketball career. The pain was unbearable; I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. But I kept it to myself because I was afraid of losing my scholarship. Eventually, the coaches found out because I physically couldn’t play at my full potential anymore.
On top of that, my host family lived an hour from school, and I had no transportation. In the summer, when school was out, I had to ride a bicycle to practice in the brutal Florida heat.
Things took a turn for the worse in 2010 when I was expelled from The Rock School for sending $200 home to help with my father’s prostate cancer treatment. They said it was against school policy, though I believe my injury played a role in their decision. But honestly, I’m grateful they kicked me out because it led me to meet Dr. Jackie Walters and Curtis Berry. They took me in as their son and changed my life forever.
How difficult was it to adjust and settle in?
I don’t think I truly felt settled until Dr. Jackie and Curtis Berry came into my life. They gave me the stability and support I needed to keep moving forward.
What school did you attend, and what was your major?
After being expelled from The Rock School, I enrolled at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta, Georgia, where I played basketball and won a state championship.
I then attended College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri, where I studied Public Relations with a minor in Graphic Arts. I played basketball there despite my injuries, but after my first season, the pain became unbearable. I had to undergo two major surgeries—one of which saved my life. Unfortunately, in 2013, I had to let go of my basketball dreams due to my worsening condition.
What inspired you to start the AOA Foundation, and what are the goals?
The AOA Foundation was born out of my personal struggles.
Growing up, I never had proper basketball gear. My parents couldn’t afford to buy me shoes, so I played in worn-out sneakers patched up with pieces of old car tyres. Sometimes, I played on empty stomach.
By the time I got to the U.S. and had access to better training, my shins were already severely damaged from playing on concrete courts without the right footwear. Today, I see kids in Nigeria facing the same struggles, and I don’t want any of them to go through what I did.
The AOA Foundation provides basketball gear, mentorship, and community support. But it’s bigger than basketball—it’s about giving young people hope, opportunity, and the resources to build a better future.
How has the AOA Foundation grown since it started?
The growth has been incredible, thanks to our generous donors, dedicated partners, my parents Dr. Jacqueline Walters and Curtis Berry, all the coaches and directors and my amazing girlfriend, Addy Kryger, who has invested a huge amount of her time, money, and resources to help guide us in the right direction. Because of this support, we continue to grow year after year.
So far, we have hosted five basketball camps, impacting over 750 kids. Rebuilt and maintained the only basketball court in Sango Ota and renovated an abandoned classroom to create more learning space.
In terms of donations, we have provided 3,750+ meals, 1,767+ pairs of shoes, 1,437+ jerseys and t-shirts, 900+ pairs of socks, 300 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste, 595+ tote bags and150+ basketballs
Our latest projects include constructing a community Well to provide free, clean water; distributing food and essential supplies. Just in 2024, we donated over 2,755 pounds of rice and 50 liters of cooking oil to families in need; provided mattresses to struggling families, including a 90-year-old woman who had never owned a bed and now building the Noble Court, a dedicated basketball facility in Sango Ota.
Our mission is to continue creating opportunities and improving lives, one project at a time.
Why did you choose Sango Ota for the Noble Court project?
Why not Sango Ota? The children there deserve the same opportunities as those in wealthier areas like Victoria Island or Lekki.
I remember struggling just to attend my first basketball camp at the National Stadium in Surulere. I had to leave Sango Ota as early as 4:00 am to get there on time. Sometimes, I couldn’t even afford the bus fare and had to beg for a ride or convince an adult to let me sit on his lap. I don’t want kids today to go through the same struggles I had.
Instead of making these children travel all the way to Lagos for camps, we decided to bring the camp to them, despite the challenges and the conveniences a Lagos facility would offer for me and the coaches. Most of the families in this community can’t afford the transportation costs associated with attending a camp in Lagos.
Right now, the only basketball court in Sango Ota is the one we refurbished, and it’s built on government-owned land. If the government ever decides to develop that space into something else, there will be no place left for these kids to play. That’s why we want to create a dedicated, safe, and structured environment where they can practice and grow without distractions or negative influences.
While many players focus on personal success, you focus on giving back. Why?
Because I see it as my purpose. I was once one of these kids, growing up in the very communities we serve today. I was fortunate enough to escape extreme poverty, but there are still so many children back home who are struggling. If I don’t step up to help, who will?
The basketball court we refurbished was in the same poor condition as when I left Nigeria. The classrooms were also in the same state. If we didn’t fix them, they would still be the same today. Making a difference means taking action, not waiting for someone else to do it.
What legacy do you want to leave through the AOA Foundation?
I want to create a world where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive, develop their potential, and make a positive impact through access to education, sports, and essential resources.
How do you relax?
I enjoy reading, watching my favorite shows, and, of course, sports.
What’s your favorite food?
Hmmm… I love seafood!