By Lateef Adekola
The presentation of certificates of honour in the 8th edition of the prestigious annual City Merit Awards to distinguished individuals and corporate organisations continued Tuesday, as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s and Africa leading sportswear company AFA Sportswear, Ugo Udezue, was honoured as, Sportspreneur Of The Year 2022.
Speaking during the brief event which held at the headquarters of AFA Sports, in Lekki, Lagos, President and National Coordinator of the awards, Asiwaju Akeem Busari, said the recognition and honour given to Ugo Udezue, was well deserved, considering his epochal and impactful contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria since he birthed his company.
“In line with the outlined ethos of the organising and selection committees of the City Merit Awards, we found Ugo Udezue worthy of celebration.
“More than the socio-economic impacts of his company on Nigeria and indeed, Africa, he has equally made a strong mark in the sports apparels industry. AFA sports made sporting history, as the first indigenous African company to fully kit a country to the Olympic Games. He is an emerging hero of Nigerian sports industry.
“We congratulate him and believe this award would spur him into further achievements, for the benefits of Nigerian and African sports,” Busari added.
On his part, an elated Udezue thanked the organisers for the recognition and honour bestowed on him. Adding that he shall remain steadfast and committed to firmly placing his company, Africa For Africa (AFA), on the echelons in the global sportswear market.
City Merit Awards which is organised by Bulfazi Media Services, the publishers of Sports Chronicle and City Chronicle Magazines, and in conjunction with Better Society Foundation, New Media Editors and Nigeria Sports Centre, have in the past, recognised and honoured distinguished Nigerians, including Hon. Bukola Olopade, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, Hon.Tajudeen Ajide, Ambassador Samuel Ikpea, Odion Ighalo, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.
Others are, Alhaji Gafar Olawale Liameed, Edwin Chigozie Nwagwu, Nigeria Pillar Of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, Prince Dapo Ajibade, Dr. Michael Orobosa Ubogu and Prince Efemena Elutabe, amongst others.
