Ekeji, Inyama laud nomination of Robert Onyeani for Newstap/ SWAN Five-Star Award
Former Director General of National Sports Commission, Dr. Patrick Ekeji and one time board member of NFF, High Chief (Pastor) Emeka Inyama have described the nomination of proprietor of Grassroots football club Ahudiya Nnem FC Chief Robert Onyeani for the Newstap/ SWAN 5-Star award as a perfect decision which nobody can fault.
Chief Onyeani was on Monday unveiled by the organisers of the second edition of the annual event as one of the five eminent Nigerians who were nominated for the award because of their contributions to the development of Nigerian sports.
Other nominees are; The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri, The CEO/Director-General National Institute for Sports (NIS) His Excellency Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, CEO Nilayo Sports, Mrs Yetunde Olopade (wife of Director-General National Sports Commission Hon. Bukola Olapade) and internationally acclaimed boxing promoter Hon. Omonlei Yakubu Imadu.
In separate interviews with our correspondent, they commended the organizers for making the right choice noting that he’s highly qualified for the award.
According to Dr. Ekeji, Chief Onyeani has through his grassroots teams empowered many young boys and girls who would have been rooming the streets jobless.
” I was not surprised when I heard that his name was among the nominees. Chief Onyeani is doing great job with his club,employing and powering many youths and there’s no better time to reward him than now”, he stated
Ekeji commended National SWAN and Newstap Communications for doing a perfect job in their selection process.
In his own remarks, Chief Inyama stated that he was happy with the decision of the award committee because Chief Onyeani is eminently qualified for the award considering his numerous contributions to football development in the country.
” This was a man who guided his unknown club to defeat two- time CAF Champions winners , Enyimba FC of Aba to win the Abia State FA Cup and many other landmark victories and I must say kudos to the organisers of the prestigious award for nominating him”, he concluded.
The ceremony will take place at the Blessing Hall of Eko Club Surulere, Lagos on March 6th by 5pm.
The maiden edition of the Award was chaired by the Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko.
