TheCable

Sunday Dare, minister of youth and sports development, says the ministry will partner with organizers of the Nigerian Sports Award to make subsequent events “bigger and more glamorous” than the previous.

The minister gave the pledge on Friday in Lagos.

Dare, who spoke at the 2019 award held at Eko Hotels, said an award of such magnitude should have all the past sporting heroes of the country present, no matter where they resided around the world.

“The award night should not be only for those who are winning awards or who get nominated for awards but it must comprise even those who have won or have not won before, as long as they have represented Nigeria in the past,” the minister said.

“I reckon that this arrangement will have cost implication but I want to assure that the ministry will be ready to do everything it can with the organizers to ensure that this comes to reality. On our side, we are determined that sports become a big industry in Nigeria and we will stop at nothing to see this being achieved.”

Odion Ighalo, former Super Eagles’ striker, won the Footballer of the Year prize while US-based Ese Brume carted away the Athletics Star of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year prizes.

Opeyori Anuoluwapo, badminton star,  secured the Sportsman of the Year prize — on the night that football won only one prize as athletics, wrestling, basketball, handball and para-sports shone.