Ikpeme bags University of Ilorin Ambassadorial award

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON, has pledged to continue promoting the “ideals, values, and image” of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) wherever he goes, after his investiture as a University Ambassador on Monday.

In prepared remarks circulated alongside the investiture, Ikpeme described the honour as “not only a recognition of past contributions but also a call to greater service,” and dedicated it to God, his family, mentors, colleagues and supporters.

Speaking at the ceremony, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, Ikpeme, said the honour carried personal significance.

“It’s a great honour to be given an award by the university. Thank you very much, sir,” he said.

Ikpeme was also given the opportunity to present his newly published book, Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Ways Forward, to the university, donating five copies, three for the university library and two for his former department, Human Kinetics .

“I felt I should make a contribution to sports in general, so I published a book, which was unveiled on 18 June,” he said.

He further backed his pledge of continued service with a financial commitment, offering ₦1 million annually as prize money for the university’s Vice-Chancellor’s football competition among students.

“When I visited your office, I asked for clarification on the university’s annual Vice-Chancellor’s football competition for students. Having confirmed that, I want to donate ₦1 million to that competition every year — ₦500,000 for the winning team, ₦300,000 for the runners-up, and ₦200,000 for third place,” Ikpeme said.

Egbewole, in his remarks, said Ikpeme was selected for the honour for having “consistently portrayed the university in a most favourable light” through his public and professional engagements over the years.

Ikpeme lectured at the University of Calabar for several years and later served as Sole Administrator of the Cross River State Sports Council. He joined the NFF as Deputy Secretary General (Technical) in 2007 before rising to Deputy General Secretary in 2015.