Minister of Youths and Sports Development Sunday Dare, has commended organisers of the annual Sportsville Special Recognition Award for its credibility and creating a forum to celebrate those at the forefront of sports development in the nation.
According to the Minister, recognition of this nature will spur more Nigerians to do more for the country.
Dare, a recipient of the prestigious award last year, has promised to grace the ceremony.
“Be rest assured that I will be there in person to be part of this timely and noteworthy event,” he said in his acceptance to chair the event.
He added: ”The award aligns with my vision for sports development in Nigeria by encouraging individuals and corporate organisations to join hands with government to take our sports to the desired height as government alone cannot do it.
“You can see how our involvement of individuals and companies through the Adopt An Athlete Initiative is yielding positive results.”
CEO of Sportsville, Hon. Frank Ilaboya in a statement thanked the Honourable Minister for identifying with the award, promising that the annual award will continue to add value to the Minister’s initiative to celebrate excellence in the sports industry.
“I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports for accepting to not only grace the event but to play the Chairmanship role on the night,” an excited Ilaboya said. “We’re glad that the Number One figure in Nigeria sports is endorsing the event. This means so much to us as an organisation and we want to sincerely appreciate the Minster,”
Over 16 personalities and corporate organisations have been listed at the Feb 4th award ceremony where the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, will be joining the Minister as the Special Guest of Honour.
Topping the list of those to be honored at this year’s event are Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor and one time Director General of the National Sports Commission, Dr Patrick Ekeji, are also part of the distinguished awardees.
This year’s award comes up at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.