Oborevwori mourns Ex-SCSA Secretary-General, Eleyae

Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has condoled with the family of the late Dr Awoture Eleyae, over the passing away of the former Secretary-General of Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA).

The governor’s condolence is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Saturday in Asaba.

Our correspondent reports that the late Eleyae, who died at the age of 96, hailed from Uzere in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

Oborevwori described the deceased 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.

He acknowledged the late Eleyae’s roles in strengthening the country’s sports administration, adding that he left behind an indelible mark on the nation’s development trajectory.

He said that the deceased, 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 Olympic games.

“He was a Director-General, National Sports Commission and later became Chairman of Bendel State Sports Council and Chairman, National Sports Award Committee.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I condole with 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,” he said.

Oborevwori prayed for the repose of Eleyae’s soul and to his family, the Uzere people and Isoko nation, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.