Ilaboya explains why SportsVille Awards is silent on athletes

Sportsville Awards will bring together the best of the country’s sports administrators and also those that have contributed immensely to the development of the sector, CEO, Sportsville Communication Services Ltd, Frank Ilaboya, has explained.

Ilaboya, who, at the weekend, explained the reason athletes are not among those to be honoured, expressed happiness in the widespread acceptance of the yearly awards.

“From the onset, we made it clear that this award was going to be unique, that we would be focusing on the administrators or individuals, who have contributed to sports development in one way or the other.

“We also recognise that athletes have several award platforms and there is no need replicating such awards. We made our focus very clear.

“In this category, we want to ensure the genuine people are those to be honoured without any strings attached. Our selection committee, led by ace sports journalist, Tony Ubani, has been doing a wonderful job in this regard.

The team also includes Adekunle Salami and George Aluo, both seasoned sports journalists with combined experience in sports journalism that span over 30 years.”

On preparations for the event, which holds on February 13, Ilaboya said: “I am excited with the reviews the award is getting within such a short time.

“When we started the project last year, little did we know that we would be getting this huge followership within such a short period.

“The reason behind the award, as we stated during the maiden edition, is to recognise and appreciate personalities, who have contributed in no small way to the growth and development of sports over the years. We recognise that such appreciation will not only give them inner satisfaction, it will also spur them to do more while also encouraging others to follow their steps.

“I am happy with the encouragement we have so far received from the sporting public. It shows the idea is coming at the right time. Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare, was part of the top dignitaries last year as a way of endorsing the idea.

“We want to thank him and other Nigerians who have embraced the idea,” the one-time Chairman of Lagos SWAN added.

He listed the names set to be recognised on February 13 at Radisson Hotel, Lagos, as Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare; Chairman, Channels Television, John Momoh; ex-DG, National Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Danladi Bako; Dr. Sunny Ojeagbase, Tonobok Okowa and Mike Itemuagbor.

Others are Chief Segun Odegbami, Olumide Oyedeji, Ayo Omidiran, Ugo Udezue, Seyi Akinwumi, Bukola Olopade and Daniel Igali.

“All the 13 awardees have confirmed their attendance as we look forward to a successful event,” Ilaboya said.