Adekunle Salami
The annual Sportsville Special Recognition Awards takes place at the Blessing Hall of the Eko Club Surulere on Friday, March 1st.
A total of 22 sports personalities will be given awards for their contribution to the development of sports in Nigeria.
The awards are grouped into four categories- The Icon award, the facilities award, Federations Awards and the NPFL awards.
The CEO of Sportsville, Frank Ilaboya told our correspondent on Wednesday that all was set for the event, which is the 4th in the series.
“We have worked so hard for this edition and we are excited that top personalities in the sports family will be at the event on Friday,” he said.
The Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chief Solomon Ogba, Daniel Igali, former Abia Governor Orji Kalu, Otunba Segun Runsewe, Kunle Solaja, Jenkins Alumona, Hauwa-Kulu Akinyemi are some of the personalities to be honoured in various categories at the awards ceremony.
Mathematical Segun Odegbami is the chairman of the day while former Sports minister, Chief Sunday Dare is a Special Guest
Some of the past awardees of the SV award gave testimony on the integrity of the awards.
Here are some of the testimonies:
ENGR MUSA KIDA (President, NBBF, 2021 awardee)
I am happy all I and my team have done for Nigerian Basketball is being recognized. This is a very credible Award, reason I am here to receive it in person. This Award will sure motivate me to do more for Basketball in the country. Sportsville is a very credible organization and their integrity is one of the reasons I am so happy to have this Award because it’s truly based on merit and never solicited. Sincerely, of all the Awards I have received, this is most precious.
CHIEF FELIX ANYANSI-AGWU (NFF 1st Vice President, 2021 awardee)
Nothing beats this moment, I am so happy to be alive to witness this day. I never thought anyone could still remember me as the Chairman who won the CAF Champion League back-back with Enyimba in 2003 and 2004. As you can see, I came here with my beautiful wife to celebrate this moment and receive this prestigious Award.
I want to say thank you to all the players and coaches of Enyimba who made this possible, this Award is for them and everyone who has supported me through this journey especially my beautiful wife here with me today. The credibility of Sportsville as an organization should tell of the integrity of this Award. I am truly happy
DR RAFIU LADIPO, President Gen, NFSC, 2021 awardee)
When we started the Supporters Club several decades back people took us for comedians, but as at today the impact we have made supporting the National Teams in major competitions cannot be over emphasized. I am happy a reputable organization as Sportsville deemed it necessary to honour me and my group with the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards. This Award is dedicated to the entire Nigerian Football Supporters Club and the Nigerian Football family at large.
ENGR EBI EGBE, CEO Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Ltd, 2021 awardee)
When I was informed of this Award I immediately went down on my knees in appreciation to God for such recognition. I am in a sector where people do not get the praises they deserve for making good football pitches. This Award means a lot to me and it’s also coming at a time when I am completing two major stadia that will change the face of football playing surfaces in Nigeria.
I want to say thank you to Sportsville for the honour, and I will like to dedicate the Award to my wife and kids, as well as to everyone who believes in my works and has supported me in one way or another.
DR LARRY IZAMOJE, CEO Brila FM, 2021 awardee)
I have been in this Sports industry long enough to know when an Award is truly deserving. The Sportsville Awards is one I am accepting because it’s credible and has no sentiments attached. The quality of my fellow Awardees further speaks of the integrity behind this event.
My message to the organizers, “Don’t lower the standards for any reason, let only those who truly merit it get the Sportsville Awards as it has happened today”. I am honored to be here and this Award is special to me because of where it came from.
