The Minister of Sports,
Bolaji Abdullahi, has  lauded the organisers of the 2013 Nigerian Sports Awards, for their innovations in recognising deserving individuals that did the nation proud.
Abdullahi made the remark through Mrs Tayo Oreweme, the Liaison Officer, National Sports Commission (NSC), Lagos.
A total of 16 categories of awards were conferred on remarkable athletes and stakeholders for their outstanding achievements in 2013.
According to Abdullahi, the NSC was pleased that the athletes and stakeholders were duly recognised for their selfless services.
“This is a laudable objective that would help to promote sports in the country.
“We will continue to support the initiative because the objective will encourage upcoming athletes to believe in themselves and strive to take their game to a higher level,’’ Abdullahi said.
In the same vein, Aminu Maigari, the Chairman, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who was recognised as the Sports Administrator of the Year, said the organisers were progressive individuals.
“This is a laudable objective. I am proud to be a winner and it is proof of the good results we achieved in the year.
“I want to use the opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to come and render their support to the growth of sports in the country,’’ Maigari said.
Meanwhile, Ebere Obi, the younger brother of Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, said that it was a great honour for his brother.
Ebere, who stood in for his brother, Mikel, said that it would be the second time in a row, that the Chelsea FC of England midfielder would be bestowed with the award.
“I am happy for my brother. He couldn’t attend the ceremony because of club engagements but he asked me to thank the organisers and his fans,’’ he said.
Divine Oduduru, a gold medallist in the 100 and 200m events in the 2013 African Youths Athletics Championships in Warri, who was bestowed with the Discovery of the Year Award, said he was happy.
“ I am truly grateful. This is a testimony of the hard work I put into my training. I thank the organisers for the recognition.
“My target now is to become a great athlete at the senior level and win many international laurels for the country,’’ Oduduru said.