The upcoming Warri Relays, set to take place on July 27 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, will see the participation of the Nigerian 4x100m relay team and teams from four other African countries, including Cameroun, Niger Republic, and Mali.
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The event holds a special significance as it aims to honor the late Dr. Awoture Eleyae, the former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA), who passed away in Benin City, Edo State.
Dr. Awoture Eleyae, a distinguished figure in sports administration, served as the head of SCSA from 1992 to 2004. His immense contributions to sports in Nigeria and across the African continent have left a lasting impact.
Among his notable achievements was the establishment of the Awoture Eleyae’s U-14, U-15, and U-17 Athletics competitions in Ozoro, which played a crucial role in discovering and nurturing talented Nigerian athletes, including Ese Brume, Divine Oduduru, and Favour Ofili, during the years 2013 and 2014.
The event in Asaba will be a three-in-one athletics extravaganza, with various competitions taking place in honor of Dr. Awoture Eleyae.
Alongside the 4x100m and 4x400m relay events featuring teams from five African countries, the organizers have invited secondary schools from all three senatorial districts of Delta State to participate in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed relays.
Originally planned to be held in Warri Stadium, the event was relocated to Asaba due to ongoing renovation work at the former venue.
The decision to hold the Warri Relays in Asaba highlights the significance of the occasion and the respect accorded to the late sports administrator.
Notably, the Nigerian 4x100m relay team narrowly missed the opportunity to qualify for Budapest in a recent event held in Cotonou, Benin Republic, following a baton exchange mix-up.
Dr. Awoture Eleyae’s legacy extends beyond his work with athletics.
He served as the National Chief Track and Field Athletics coach and was also instrumental in captaining the Nigerian Basketball team to the first All-Africa Games in 1965.
Furthermore, his expertise in sports administration led him to design the Nigerian Institute for Sports (NIS), where he served as the first Principal from 1975 to 1984.
His illustrious career continued as he rose to the substantive post of Deputy Director of Sports in the National Sports Commission (NSC), and he even acted as the Director General of the Commission from February 1981 to May 1982.
The Warri Relays promise to be a fitting tribute to a remarkable sports icon, Dr. Awoture Eleyae, whose dedication and vision have left an indelible mark on the world of athletics in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Participants from different countries and age groups will come together to celebrate his memory and showcase their athletic talents in what is sure to be an exciting and memorable event.
