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Sports administrator, Abba Yola, has hailed the organisers of the annual Sportsville Awards, even as Abuja-based women’s football promoter Paul Edeh described the award as heartwarming.
Yola, who spoke in Abuja on Tuesday, said he was thrilled that the award was being bestowed on the former Director-General of the defunct National Sports Commission, Dr Patrick Ekeji.
“Ekeji is an excellent sports administrator. He was my boss at the National Sports Commission and I can attest to his brilliance, thoroughness and ability. He took Nigerian sports to an enviable height during his time. He would be remembered for his pet Team Nigeria project that attracted the private sector to Nigerian sports.
“I am happy the organisers of the Sportsville Awards found him worthy to be honoured,” Yola stated.
Edeh, on his part, said he was surprised that he was nominated for the prestigous award.
“Yes, I have been contributing my little quota to the development of our sports, but I never knew some people somewhere would say ‘hey, you are doing well’ with an award. I didn’t solicit for it and to that extent, I consider it a very credible award and I will personally be in Lagos to receive it,” the Naija Ratels proprietor said.
The Sportsville Awards ceremony is billed for Saturday at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos.
Sports minister, Sunday Dare, would grace the occasion as chairman of the day, while Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, is the Special Guest of Honour.