***As Sam John lauds recognition of Solaja, Alumona
By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu and current Chairman of the Nigeria Professional League Board, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye are top on the list of those nominated for different awards categories by the organisers of the annual Sportsville Special Recognition Awards.
Former Athletic Federation Chairman and current NOC first Vice President, Chief Solomon Ogba and Otunba Segun Runsewe were also named.
The nominees were rolled out yesterday at an elaborate ceremony in Lagos by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Adekunle Salami. Salami said his committee took pains to ensure that only those truly deserving made the final cut.
For the Icon category, Senator (Chief) Orji Uzor Kalu, Otunba Segun Runsewe OON, Chief Solomon Ogba, Rtn. Victor Ochei are on the cards while Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye is the only nominee for the administrator of the year category.
A total of 10 recipients are on the cards for the special recognition category. They are Hon. Fatai Adekunle Ayoola (Executive Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA); Edington Kuejebola, Hajiya Zainab Saleh; Hon. Agboola Dabiri ; Gbenga Ojofeitimi ; Kunle Solaja ; Dr Uyi Akpata; Coach Sebastian Brodricks (Post Humous) ; Francis Orbih and Brila FM.
We also have Jenkins Alumona in the innovative category, Hon Daniel Igali in the Integrity category while MTN, Tucan Energy and Nestle Nigeria are nominated for the corporate category.
Remo Stars Complex stood out in the Best Facilities category (Private), just as Edo State Government got the nod on Best Facilities in the government category courtesy of the Samuel Ogbemudia Sports Complex. Delta State will also be rewarded with the biggest investment in sports award.
There are also sports federation category and support for Nigerian league category.
Salami explained that three new categories have been added to this year’s edition: Innovative Award, Integrity Award and NPFL Awards (Coach of the Year, Player of the year, Referee of the Year and Media Officer of the year).
“The Chief Executive Officer of Sportsville, Frank Ilaboya, has been an advocate of strong Nigerian League and believes recognition of this nature will propel the actors to do better,” he added.
The ceremony holds on Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Prestigious EKO CLUB off Bode Thomas in Lagos under the Chairmanship of former Green Eagles Skipper, Dr Segun Odegbami.
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One of Nigeria’s foremost Sports Journalists, Sam John, has reacted to the nominations Kunle Solaja and Jenkins Alumona, describing them as well deserved.
“Frank, I must thank you and your team for this brilliant award ceremony and most importantly the recognition of Kunle Solaja and Jenkins Alumona.
“I am so so excited to see both of them given their due. Solaja remains the No.1 diarist in Africa and I am happy this award is coming at the most appropriate time.
“For Alumona, the creative innovation he brought to the organisation of Super 8 last year, among his numerous contributions to sports in the nation, deserves praise.
For Sportsville to spot this for rewards is noteworthy.
“Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate both of them for this honour. I know their best is yet to come,” the one time Group Sports Editor of Daily Times added.
Over 50 notable Nigerians have been recognised since the award started four years ago.
