A former deputy governor in Ondo state and former Nigeria High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru has been honoured with an award of “OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AND DEDICATION TO FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA” by Western Nigeria Football Forum.
The award was organized in commemoration of late Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, former Secretary-general of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
The award
The event which drew prominent personalities in sports and other areas of endeavours took place at Adebimpe event center, Osogbo, Osun State capital.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, Western Nigeria Football Forum and 1st vice- chairman Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwumi noted that various categories of awards were given to prominent Nigerians that have contributed immensely to the development of sports in Western Nigeria and the country as a whole.
In a response after receiving the award, Ambassador Oluwateru who is also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party appreciated organisers of the event for recognizing his contributions to the round leather game in the country.
He reiterated that the award would spur him to do more for sports development especially football in the country and also used the medium to appeal to well meaning Nigerians to contribute more to the growth of football in Nigeria by sponsoring more under-age categories tournaments.
Ambassador Oluwateru was one time, Chairman Ondo State Football Association, Chairman Housing Football club, Ondo State, Chairman Sunshine stars FC, Member Nigeria Football Association ( NFA), member venue and facilities committee Nigeria 99 LOC.
Before the award presentation, two finalist teams of maiden edition of Taiwo Ogunjobi U-15 Football Tournament were recognized and took photograph with Nigeria former national U-21 coach, Fanny Amu and ‘Lanre Ogunjobi, First son of the legend, Late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.
Other eminent Nigerians that were honoured included Nigeria Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, Modakeke born tactician and former National Football team Coach, President-General, Super Eagles supporters club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo and a few others.
Prominent personalities in Sports who attended the event attendance were, former super eagles striker Mutiu Adepoju ” Headmaster”, former Green eagles gangling striker, Dr Felix Owolabi, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, former U-21 national coach Fanny Amu, Chief Raji Oba, Barrister Musa Amodu former NFF scribe, Alhaji Tijani Yusuf former NFF Secretary-General