Delta State Governor, Francis Sheriff Oborevwori, has commiserated with the family of the late Dr. Awoture Eleyae, a former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa.
Pa Eleyae, who died at the age of 96 years, hailed from Uzere in Isoko-South Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, which was made available to journalists on Saturday, Oborevwori described the late Eleyae as a sports scholar and an administrator par excellence, whose immense contributions to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria and Africa can not be forgotten.
While commending the late Eleyae for his role in strengthening the country’s sports administration, Governor Oborevwori said that the deceased left behind an indelible mark on the nation’s development trajectory.
He said that the late Eleyae, who designed the National Institute for Sports (NIS), became its first principal from 1975 to 1984.
“As National Chief Track and Athletics Coach, the late Eleyae captained the Nigerian Basketball team to the first All African Games in 1965 and led the Nigerian team as Athletics coach to several Olympics.
“He was Acting Director-General, National Sports Commission and later became chairman, Bendel State Sports Council and chairman, National Sports Award Committee.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I condole with the entire Eleyae family, the people of Uzere Kingdom, Isoko Nation and the global sports community on the passing of the legendary Dr. Awoture Eleyae.
“The Dr. Awoture Eleyae Athletics Championship in Delta State instituted in his honour has continued to produce great athletes including Ese Brume, Divine Oduduru, Usheoritse Itsekiri, Raymond Ekevwo, among others.”
Oborevwori prayed for the repose of Eleyae’s soul, adding that God should grant his family, the Uzere people and Isoko Nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
