Tag: Dr Uyi Akpata

Ahead of this year’s Sportsville Special Recognition Award ceremony, accolades and praises have been pouring in for Dr Uyi Akpata, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation as he is set to be crowned with Nigeria’s highest Sports Award, the Sportsville Sports Personality of the Year Award, 2025.

From the exalted office of the Africa International Cricket Council, comes the latest accolade.

“We at the International Cricket Council (ICC) extends our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Uyi Akpata on his being honoured with Nigeria’s highest Sports Award,” writes Justine Ligyalingi, the Acting Regional Manager, Africa International Cricket Council (AICC).

“Dr Akpata has played a pivotal role in the remarkable growth and development of cricket in the country. Under his leadership, Nigerian cricket has achieved significant milestones, with the latest being the Nigeria Under-19 Women’s teams historic performance in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, held in Malaysia earlier this year.

“His unwavering commitment and strategic vision continues to shape the future of the sport in Nigeria and beyond,” added Mr. Ligyalingi.

Also, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Desmond Amadin Enabulele,  showered praises on the organisers of the annual Sportsville Special Recognition Award for the “well-deserved nomination of Dr Akpata for the Prestigious award.

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“I am glad that Sportsville has recognised the great job Akpata has been doing with Cricket since he mounted the saddle few years ago.

“He has not only made the game viable and attractive, but has also taken it to the global stage. Today, many young Nigerians see cricket as a viable option to football.

“We are very proud and happy to have him as the Chairman of Edo State Cricket Association, and we say kudos to a visionary leadership,” Enabulele who promised to storm Lagos to celebrate with Dr Akpata, added.

Dr Akpata, alongside other nominees will be decorated with various honours on April 3^rd  at a Prestigious Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos.

Dr Uyi Akpata, the Sportsville Sports Personality of the Year Award nominee, has said the award means so much and a big honour to him.

Akpata, whose tenure as the Cricket Federation President has transformed the game beyond doubt, made the statement when  the organisers, led by Frank Ilaboya, paid him a courtesy visit yesterday at  his Lekki Office.

Akpata is nominated for the Prestigious Sports Personality of the Year Award  for transforming the game of Cricket to the administration of all.

He spoke glowingly of the award.

“This award means so much to me, it is a motivation to do more and I promise to keep doing my best for the development and advancement of Cricket in Nigeria.

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“Last year, I was one of the recipients of the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards and now nominated for the biggest of all, the Sports Personality of the Year Award.

“Honestly, this is a very big honour and I am excited about it. This shows that people are keeping tabs of ones performances.

“Like I said earlier, this award will spur me to do more. There is definitely more to do for the growth of the game.

“Our vision is very clear, to make the game as popular as possible and create mass participation and followership.

“That is why we are taking our time to build the game holistically, from facilities to human capital development, to players and officials empowerment, name it, it’s a whole lot of work in progress.

“But my joy is that our vision for the game is getting a lot of traction and acceptability. I feel fulfilled that more and more people are taking to the game, it shows that the future is bright.”

Akpata’s nomination was widely hailed by the sports community especially cricket lovers notably  that of  Ejiro Omonode, a cricket buff and  the Managing Director of Masters Sports International.

“This is one award that is fitting and timely, richly deserved I must tell you,” Omonode noted, recalling  Akpata’s antecedents with cricket.

“Nigeria’s rise in Cricket doesn’t surprise me because I know the calibre of Akpata. As a former Cricket player, his passion for the game is second to none. And when you combine this with his administrative acumen, the result is what you are seeing today.

“Congratulations my brother Uyi Akpata for this milestone achievement,” Omonode added.

Dr Uyi Akpata and other 15 nominees will be decorated on Friday, March 21^st  at the high profile Eko Club, Surulere Lagos.