Ukodhiko Mourns Doyen Of Sports, Awoture Eleyae

By Ajiri-Oghene Oreh

Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko has mourned the exit of former Secretary-General, Supreme Council of Sports in Africa, Dr. Awoture Simon Eleyae.

The late Pa Eleyae who died at the age of 96, hailed from Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a condolence message on Friday in Abuja, Ukodhiko described the late Pa Awoture Eleyae as Nigeria’s most popular athlete, athletics coach, lecturer, and sports administrator.

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He said, “the Dr Eleyae’s life ran a full course. He was an elder statesman in sports not only in Nigeria but in Africa, and he commendably played his role as a father figure to all African athletes.

“He was a master athlete who burst into continental limelight when he ran bare-footed to pick a silver medal for Nigeria in the 880 yards during the Ghana Athletics Championship in 1954.

“As a gifted coach and athletics genius, Dr. Elayae led many athletes from the defunct Bendel State and Nigeria to win many major athletics tournaments in the world.

“His was a peerless contribution to sports development and administration beginning as a Director of Sports in the old Bendel State, where he rose to become Chairman of the Sports Council.

“Dr Awoture Eleyae was on the saddle to ably coordinate the affairs of the Supreme Council of Sports in Africa as Secretary-General, displaying sheer ingenuity and organizational acumen.

According to the Isoko federal lawmaker, “the late Dr Awoture Eleyae was a distinguished scholar of sports at the College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria, now Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

“He was one of the pioneers of sports scholarship and administration in Nigeria as he did his doctoral in Physical and Health Education with emphasis on sports administration.

“The Dr Awoture Eleyae Athletics Championship in Delta State which has produced great athletes including Ese Brume, Divine Oduduru is a befitting tribute to his ingenuity and immense contributions to sports.

“On behalf of the people of Isoko Federal Constituency, I express my deep condolences to the Eleyae family and the people of Uzere Kingdom on the passing on of Sir Dr Awoture Simon Eleyae.” Ukodhiko said.