As preparations intensify ahead of this year’s SportsVille Award Ceremony, three notable sports personalities — Olumide Oyedeji, Gbenga Elegbeleye and Taiye I’ve —have praised the organisers of the SportsVille Special Recognition Awards for creating a platform that recognises and inspires excellence in sports administration and participation.
Former D’Tigers captain and National Basketball Association (NBA) star, Olumide Oyedeji; President of HotSports Group, Taye Ige; and Chairman of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) Board, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, in separate reactions to the announcement of the event’s date and venue, expressed anticipation for the ceremony, describing it as a unique initiative and a refreshing development in Nigeria’s sports awards landscape.
Oyedeji noted that the award has become one of the events he eagerly anticipates on Nigeria’s sporting calendar each year.
“Without exaggeration, this is one award that truly reflects what an award should represent.
“From the packaging to the committee members and overall organisation, I must commend my good friend Frank Ilaboya for the vision behind the award, which continues to improve with each edition.
“Right from the first year, it was clear they had a clear direction and were determined not to follow the usual pattern. It is truly a great event,” he said.
Taye Ige, who received an award at the third edition, also expressed admiration for the initiative, highlighting the credibility of its process and the creativity behind its organisation.
“One thing I admire about the Sportsville Award is the credibility of its process and the creativity in its organisation.
“This is one award that doesn’t come with an invoice. I have been a recipient before, so I know. It doesn’t surprise me because those who know Frank Ilaboya understand the kind of person he is. I am looking forward to this year’s ceremony with great excitement,” said Ige, who heads one of the country’s leading sports marketing firms.
Hon. Elegbeleye, who was named Sportsville’s Sports Personality of the Year in 2024, also praised the concept, process, and execution of the award.
“When I was informed of my award two years ago, I waited to hear the usual request for financial support from the organisers, but none came, and that was a clear departure from the norm.
“As for the concept, it is unique because it not only celebrates current achievers but also recognises those who made significant contributions in the past,” said the former Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
This year’s edition, the sixth in the series, will be chaired by Dr. Larry Izamoje, Chairman of the Brila FM Group.