Prominent Nigerian sports figures and leading associations have welcomed Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to appoint former Edo State Football Association chairman Frank Areguame Ilaboya as Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Mobilization.
Nasir Danladi Bako, the former Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission and Kogunan Sokoto, said Ilaboya’s extensive record in the sports sector made him a deserving choice for the role. He pointed to Ilaboya’s career as a sports writer and his subsequent rise to lead the Edo State Football Association.
“Frank has fully earned this appointment through his many years of service, beginning as a sports journalist and eventually reaching the prestigious office of Edo State Football Association chairman,” Bako said. “The hard work, perseverance, determination and proven ability to deliver results that have defined his career make him highly qualified and widely acceptable for this position.”
Bako also encouraged Ilaboya to remain committed to sustained progress in community-level sport, while offering prayers for a successful tenure. He said the new adviser had an important opportunity to contribute to the wider advancement of Nigerian sports.
“I urge him to appreciate the clear importance of growth and development in this demanding grassroots sports mobilisation assignment,” Bako added. “May Almighty God guide him to success as he plays his part in the development of sports across Nigeria. On behalf of committed sports-loving Nigerians, veteran administrators and sports writers, I congratulate Frank on his appointment.”
George Aluo, the immediate past chairman of the Nigeria National League, said the appointment reflected Ilaboya’s established standing in sports administration.
“This appointment shows that Ilaboya has deservedly secured a place in sports development, both in Edo State and across Nigeria,” Aluo said.
Guild of Sports Editors president Tony Ubani described the recognition as a positive development for the body’s members.
“Ilaboya’s appointment is an honour for us,” Ubani said. “There are many more positive developments ahead for our members.”
Veteran sports journalist Ade Ojeikere congratulated Ilaboya and thanked Governor Okpebholo for making what he termed an appropriate selection.
“I congratulate Frank on this appointment and thank His Excellency, Governor Okpebholo, for this very fitting choice,” Ojeikere said.
Taye Ige, the chief executive of Hotspot International, also praised the governor’s decision, describing it as a carefully considered appointment.
“This was a well-planned appointment,” Ige said. “His Excellency, the Governor, received the right advice in choosing Frank Ilaboya. It is a case of placing the right person in the right role.”
