Biography of Rahman Alarape Snr.

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Rahman Alarape Snr., a remarkable individual, born and raised in Ebute-Metta on the Lagos mainland of Lagos state, is the only son among seven siblings, surrounded by six sisters. His journey has been one of unwavering commitment to both personal and societal growth, with a rich history as a renowned football player during his secondary school days at Ahmadiyya College (now Anwar-UL Islam Model College) in Agege, Lagos.

A rising star during his school years, Rahman showcased his football talent by featuring for esteemed teams such as Cadbury Football Club, Ikeja, First Bank FC, and NEPA FC in Lagos. He received a national invitation to the Nigeria Junior Eagles camp in 1982 before embarking on an educational journey to the United States.

His football prowess earned him the right to draw comparisons with the likes of England and Manchester United football star Marcus Rashford, both on and off the field. Rahman's popularity in the Nigerian football league was the envy of his colleagues, and he played alongside some of the nation's best talents, including Samson SiaSia, Fatayi Amoo, Luqman Oshun, Taju Disu, Henry Nwosu, the Olukanni brothers, and more. His abilities were revered even by opposition fans.

Notably, Rahman shares Rashford's passion for humanity and the shared goal of improving the life chances of children and young people by providing essential support, including free meals.

Though Rahman and Rashford may not have crossed paths, they share not only the first letter 'R' in their first names but also a common purpose - kindness. For Rahman, kindness is about doing good without expecting anything in return. He is driven by a deep-seated passion for authenticity, selflessness, and dedication. Much like General Colin Powell, the renowned U.S. Army general, Rahman earns the trust of others because he never asks anyone to do something he is not prepared to do himself.

He leads from the front, both on and off the football field, scoring goals not just for personal glory but for the greater good of the team. This footballing analogy beautifully encapsulates Rahman's life outside the sport; he is gracious by name (the meaning of Rahman in Arabic) and gracious by nature.

Rahman was born with a profound sense of compassion and a love for caring for others, generously sharing the blessings he received, despite not being born with a silver spoon. As the only boy among his mother's seven children, he naturally became the cherished darling of his adoring sisters.

He learned early in life that sharing is caring, a philosophy he continues to live by. Today, he infuses this quality with his trademark charm and infectious smile. He is acutely aware of his ability to create positive change and has successfully rallied like-minded individuals around him. Rahman's capacity to inspire change and build a coalition of like-minded individuals has led many to believe that it's time for him to establish his own charitable foundation. Thus, ARA Charity Foundation was born, dedicated to performing wonders in the lives of those in need.

Rahman is not just a leader of people; he is also a follower of people. He recognizes that leadership and followership are two sides of the same coin, and he excels at both. He leads by example, authenticity, and by fostering meaningful connections with selfless individuals from diverse professional, ethnic, gender, and religious backgrounds. His leadership is built on a foundation of transparency, integrity, and competence, earning the loyalty of his followers.

To his old student-colleagues, Rahman is not just the president of his 1977/78 Anwar Ul Islam college old students' association; he is a standout personality among the entire old students' family, both at home and abroad. His legacy as one of the finest footballers to play for his former college is complemented by his reputation as a reliable enabler and ally "on the ground" in Lagos, Nigeria. Rahman plays a pivotal role in delivering significant projects for the college on behalf of diaspora colleagues.

His passion and effective project and program management skills make him a trusted delivery vehicle for charitable initiatives. Your donation is safe in his capable hands, a vital aspect of any charitable cause.

While Rahman is undoubtedly talented, he understands the value of hard work and commitment. He never allowed his passion for football to overshadow his dedication to education. He completed his tertiary education in the USA, earning his first degree (B.Sc Business Administration, 2nd class upper) from the Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1985.

His pursuit of knowledge continued as he pursued a Masters of Business Administration at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia. Rahman believes that learning is a lifelong experience and continuously seeks opportunities to expand his horizons. His profile includes professional courses in leadership, conflict management, executive public speaking, financial management, executive coaching, managing rural and subsistence economies, and more.

Rahman remains young at heart, body, and mind because he understands the wisdom in Henry Ford's famous words, "Anyone who stops learning is old, at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." In the words of an unknown but cherished saying, Rahman firmly believes that, "It is not the amount of money you give, but how much you give of yourself." This principle underscores his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.