Sports minister, Amokachi, Yobo, Orbih honoured at Hall of Fame awards

Nigeria’s minister of youth and sports development Sunday Dare as well as two ex-internationals Daniel Amokachi and Joseph Yobo have been honoured in the Hall of Fame Awards for 2020.

The organisers said the awardees were honoured for their impact in sports development. 

The minister was commended for initiating the Sports Industry Thematic Group of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG)  and the breakthrough in creating the Nigerian Sport Industry Policy. 

Date’s policies are projected to revolutionise sports in Nigeria both in participation and revenue when fully operational, and the impact is expected to be felt hopefully in growing the national economy.

Amokachi, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 1994, is currently a Special Assistant to President  Muhamadu Buhari and his appointment is expected to impact positively on sports development. 

Yobo captained the Super Eagles to Nigeria’s third AFCON title in 2013 and his recent appointment as assistant coach of the national team is expected to restore confidence in home-based players and indigenous coaches.

The awards are a result of an independent poll conducted by former athlete and hero of Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m gold-winning relay team at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Enefiok Udo-Obong. 

Others who were honoured include the President of the Badminton Federation of  Nigeria Francis Orbih and the President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation Musa Kida for outstanding performances as administrators. 

For successfully securing sponsorship for major athletics events in Lagos, Ijebu Ode, Kaduna and Remo, Ninlayo Sports Marketing Company was adjudged as the Marketing Company of the Year.

This is in recognition of its role in not only organising major events but securing sponsorship despite the economic crunch caused by COVID-19.