Ekeji was commended for his contribution to sports in Nigeria.

The Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, and staff of the National Sports Commission, NSC, honoured the out-going Director-General of the commission, Patrick Ekeji, on Thursday; with a send-forth party.

The ceremony, which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Ilorin, Kwara State, was colourful and well attended by major stakeholders in Nigerian sports and invited guests.

In his good-will message, the minister commended Mr. Ekeji for his remarkable contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria which has made him a focal point in sports administration not just in Nigeria, but also the world in general.

“Tonight, I am watching the departure of a very strong pillar from the sports arena. You are a true icon of Nigeria sports, an Institute and Research Centre in sporting affairs,” he added.

In his response, Mr. Ekeji thanked the NSC for the event which he described as one of the very memorable occasions in his life. He assured the minister of his ready assistance whenever he is called upon.

The highpoints of the occasion were the reading of the citation by the Director of Grassroots Development, Yakmut Al-Hassan, presentation of various commendation plaques, awards for Mr. Ekeji’s immense contribution to the growth of Sports in Africa as well as good-will messages from prominent stakeholders in the sporting community such as the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President and former Minister of Sports, Sani Ndanusa; International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive member, Habu Gumel; Directors at the NSC and Presidents of various national sports federations.

The event was one of the hallmarks of the activities marking the 19th edition of the National Council on Sports meeting holding in Ilorin, Kwara State.