The sports community in Nigeria and beyond mourns the loss of Dr. Awoture Eleyae (OON), former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA), who passed away on Friday morning in Benin City, Edo State.
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The veteran sports administrator and coach, whose contribution to sports in Nigeria and Africa was immeasurable, leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult to fill.
Solomon Ogba, former Delta state sports commissioner and two-time President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), and currently the vice president of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), expressed his deep sorrow over Eleyae’s demise.
Ogba praised Eleyae’s instrumental role in laying a solid foundation for sports in Nigeria and inspiring numerous individuals to pursue sports as a career. Eleyae’s guidance and mentorship made him a father figure to many in the sporting community.
Born on April 10, 1927, in Uzere, Isoko-South Council of Delta State, Eleyae had a distinguished career in sports administration and coaching. He captained the Nigerian Basketball team to the first All-African Games in 1965 and served as the National Chief Track and Field Athletics coach. Among his notable achievements, Eleyae designed the Nigerian Institute for Sports (NIS) and served as its first Principal from 1975 to 1984.
His contributions extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, as he held the position of Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa from 1992 to 2004. Throughout his career, Eleyae attended various international professional bodies and participated in major sporting events like the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and All Africa Games.
Eleyae’s educational journey was marked by excellence, earning diplomas and degrees from prestigious institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Campus. His commitment to education and sports instruction extended to lecturing roles at the University of Lagos.
The loss of his beloved wife earlier this year added to the personal challenges he faced in 2023. His dedication to sports endured, and he continued to contribute actively despite personal adversity.
Dr Awoture Eleyae leaves behind a lasting impact on Nigerian sports, and his influence will be cherished by all those whose lives he touched. As the nation reflects on his remarkable contributions, the void he leaves behind will serve as a reminder of his unparalleled dedication and passion for sports development in Nigeria and Africa.
