Tag: Sportsville Awards

Chairman of the Lagos State football Association, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, has been commended for the recent recognition accorded him by the organisers of the annual Sportsville Awards which entered its 5^th  edition only on April 3^rd .

At the glamorous event held at the Eko Club, Liameed was among the nine eminent Nigerians honoured under the Special Recognition category of the awards. Elegbeleye who showered encomiums on the organisers, stressed that he was particularly impressed with some of the awardees listed in the 2025 edition.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Professional Football League said: “Some of the recipients have been truly outstanding. I am happy with the nomination of Hajji Gafar, he is doing well and he is an emerging force and among the young ones that we expect to take football to another level in future.

“I also like the choice of Linus Mba who has rendered huge service to the game through his profession even at international stage. There is also late Chief Okoya Thomas who sponsored table tennis for many decades in Lagos. I congratulate Sportsville and the awardees.”

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Liameed and late Chief Thomas were among the five recognized in the Icon category of the 2025 awards.

Also, the executive members of the Lagos State Football Association through a message to Hajji Gafar and signed by secretary, Mrs. Vera Hycient Okechuckwu, hailed their Chairman for what they termed ‘Well-deserved’ award.

“We are so proud and delighted about this development because Hajji Gafar has been very hardworking in the discharge of his duties and he relates with us all as one big family,” the message read.

Yusuf Lawal, another top official of the Lagos FA Exco also paid glowing tribute to his boss.

“We are all happy his effort is being recognized and we will continue to work more,” he said.

Liameed in a response said: “This is a special one. The mirror on this plaque is reflective of the hard work being done and yet to be done in the development of talents.

“I am dedicating this award to the Stephen Adeniyis, John Ikennas, Fatimo Raheems and the Isa Adams in all the divisional football parts of Lagos State and beyond. The reward for hard work, is more work.”

It was a night of glory and well-deserved recognition as the 5th  Sportsville Special Recognition Awards honoured some of Nigeria’s most influential figures in the sporting  industry.

The prestigious event, held on Thursday, April 3, at the Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, brought together top sports administrators, athletes, coaches and other key stakeholders in celebration of excellence and commitment to sports development in Nigeria. The  annual awards’ ceremony recognized individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the sporting ecosystem, spanning administration, coaching, media, and grassroots development. These honorees, through their dedication and hard work, have shaped the industry, inspired younger generations, and contributed to the overall growth of sports in Nigeria.

The impressive hall of attendees at  the awards  ceremony also had the Managing Editor (Editorial Services) of The Nation Newspapers,  Alhaji Lawal Ogienagbon, who represented the Managing Director of The nation, Mr. Victor Ifijeh. 

Those  who were  honoured on Thursday  include foremost  retired referee Linus Mba; the energetic  General Manager of Rangers  International , Barr/ Amobi Ezeaku;  the immediate past Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green; broadcasting entrepreneur, Rotimi Pedro, the CEO of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Davidson Owumi as well as Kingsley Awodi, and Prince Paul Ngadiuba. There was also a posthumous awards  for  late industrialist  and foremost  supporter of table tennis, Chief  Molade Okoya –Thomas. The biggest award of the night, The Sports Administrator of the Year, was presented to Dr. Uyi Akpata, the President of the Nigerian Cricket Federation. Speaking at the event, the MD/CEO of Sportsville, Frank Ilaboya, highlighted the significance of recognizing individuals who have dedicated their lives to Nigerian sports.

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 He said:  “It has been a thrilling experience, I’m happy that five  years ago, one of the longest running independent sports programs, that means that we have been part and parcel of the sports community, and we thought, how do we celebrate our 20 years? One of the ways we thought of was, let’s begin to do a thing that people, you know, will reckon with. Because if you say thank you to people, you are giving them the fuel to do more. If you say thank you to people that are not even doing, you are giving them the motivation to do more. So we feel that there is a big gap in Nigeria where people are not being appreciated, those who have done well.”

President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, Dr. Uyi Akpata,  while accepting the Sports Administrator of the Year award, shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s cricket journey, particularly focusing on the U19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifiers.

 “Receiving this award is an honour, and I dedicate it to everyone who believes in the power of sports to shape our future. While our performance in the U19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifiers didn’t meet expectations, I’m proud of the resilience shown by our young team. With proper preparation, support, and integration in the coming years, I have no doubt that we will rise to the challenge and achieve greater success,” Akpata said.

As the night came to a close, there was a palpable sense of appreciation and renewed energy among attendees. The event not only celebrated past and present achievements but also served as a beacon of inspiration for future sports administrators, athletes, and enthusiasts.

The Sportsville Awards once again reinforced its position as one of the most prestigious platforms for acknowledging and celebrating excellence in Nigerian sports.

Exactly six days to the 2025 Sportsville Special Recognition Award, there is every indication that this year’s edition will be the most celebrated and attended one.

Just yesterday, More confirmations of attendance came from two notable and respected personalities a the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s leading microfinance bank, Leap Above Poverty (LAPO), Dr Godwin Ehigiamosoe , and Mr. Victor Ifijeh, the Managing Director of Nigeria’s foremost daily newspaper, The Nation, confirmed their attendance when  Hon Frank Ilaboya paid the duo a courtesy visit.

“It was a day of joy for me and the award organisers yesterday when I got confirmation of attendance from two personalities I have utmost respect for, two Nigerians that have distinguished themselves in their areas of calling,” Ilaboya said. “Dr Ehigiamusoe, the CEO of LAPO has been a big mentor to me, same thing with  Mr. Ifijeh whom we in Owan West Local Govt Area of Edo State hold in high esteem.

“That these great personalities assured me of their presence during  the April 3^rd  award ceremony, is worth celebrating. I must say I am most grateful to have such big personalities  honour us on this special occasion of the 5th edition of Sportsville Award ceremony.

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“On behalf of the award committee, I say thank you sirs for this confidence in what we are doing,” Ilaboya, an Executive Director in charge of Sports Business Development, Marketing and Sponsorship, Edo State Sports Commission, added.

The ebullient MD of the Nation Newspaper, Mr Ifijeh, has  some kind words for Ilaboya, whom he described as a resilient and goal-driven individual.

“Honestly I like your drive and resilience.  People like you deserve all the encouragement and support and that’s what we are here for. I will sure be there on April 3^rd ,” he promised.

In the same vein, Dr. Ehigiamusoe, the soft spoken business guru, whose creative and  innovation ideas made LAPO the leading  Microfinance Bank in Nigeria, noted:  “To see young people like you (Frank Ilaboya), pursuing their dreams with diligence.

“Your promptness in keeping appointments show the character you are and I am not surprised you are doing well in your field,” the Edo State born guru, added

Already, the Pillar of Sports in Nigeria, Chief Donatus Ejike-Agu, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon Lekan Fatodu and the Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tunde Popoola, confirmed their attendance as well.

This year’s ceremony will be chaired by Oseni Rufai, the Arise TV anchor.

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe stood out among the galaxy of stars who received the Sportsville Awards at the weekend in Lagos.

He was honoured with the prestigious ICON Award in recognition of his contributions to Nigerian sports. The director-General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) who is also President of Nigeria Golf Federation wowed the crowd with his cocktail of Nigerian languages.

”An award recognizing your talent is an honor. To receive this award from an organization I admire so much makes me totally happy and grateful. When I receive an award it gives me more encouragement, hope and drive to go forward”, Runsewe said amidst sporadic applause from the crowd.

It was commendation galore from other recipients.

The immediate past Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare, said the annual Sportsville Awards has ignited a new vista in Nigerian sports.

“I am extremely delighted with what I saw tonight. This new vista will definitely encourage people to do more for sports.

“The list of Awardees shows you guys are painstaking in your selection process, kudos,” the former Sports Minister who initiated numerous sports reforms during his tenure, stated.

For Mathematical Segun Odegbami and Dr. Larry Izamoje, the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards has raised the bar.

Meanwhile, Edo State was honoured as the State with the best sports facilities in Nigeria, with the Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli,   receiving the prestigious award on behalf of the Governor.

“I am very happy with the way the governor is transforming sports in Edo State with the provision of top quality facilities,” Odegbami noted. 

He added: “I was the Chairman of the Committee charged with charting a new direction for the sports when the Governor came into power in 2016. I am happy that most of the things we recommended  are being implemented.

“There is no way you can make progress in sports development with the provision of quality facilities. 

“I am not surprised that today, his foresight is been rewarded with this big honour by Sportsville.”

• By Paul Onehi

Two notable personalities in Nigerian football have sent goodwill messages to the organisers of the annual Sportsville Special Recognition Award for keeping the flag flying.

The current NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, who is presently in the United States of America for a football event, reportedly sent his goodwill message to  Frank Ilaboya, the Chief Executive Officer of Sportsville Communications.

“Permit me to extend my goodwill message on this auspicious occasion of the 4th edition of your highly rated award.

“I am currently in the United States of America for an official assignment, but you can be sure that  the football family will be ably represented during the ceremony.

“I’m  happy that you are blazing another trail in your service to the game, congratulations.”

Similarly, the immediate past  NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, who is also in US for the same football event was quoted  as saying: Congratulations Frank for this year’s award. I am proud of what you are doing, please  keep up the good job.”

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Meanwhile,  former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Media Officer, Bishop Peterside Idah  has promised  to attend the event’s gala in Lagos.

“Frank you have been very courageous and diligent since I know you. I am not surprised with what you’re doing with the Sportsville Awards,” the one time Tembissa Classic of South Africa goalkeeper said.

“I will be with you on Friday and fly back to Port Harcourt for my Church Service on Sunday.”

This year’s award ceremony holds at the Blessing Hall of EKO CLUB, Surulere Lagos on Friday, March 1st.