Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has sent condolences to 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, hailed from Uzere in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.
Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Eleyae as a sports scholar and administrator par excellence, whose contributions to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria and Africa would not be forgotten.
Oborevwori commended Eleyae for his role in strengthening sports administration in the country, saying that he left behind an indelible mark on the trajectory of the development of the country.
He said that 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 the Chairman, Bendel State Sports Council, and Chairman, National Sports Award Committee.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I condole 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 and Raymond Ekevwo, among others,” the governor said.
Oborevwori prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and for his family, the Uzere people and Isoko Nation, the fortitude to bear the loss.