MEDIA
Tenacious Tana gets accolades over his elevation as The Punch Deputy Editor
One of Nigeria’s most enterprising sports journalists, Tana Aiyejina who was Group Sports Editor of The Punch, has been elevated to the position of Deputy Editor of the newspaper.
A basketball promoter, Igoche Mark has congratulated the journalist who is well known for his in-depth reporting.
Mark, renowned for his contributions to the growth of basketball in Nigeria, through his Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship sponsorship, praised Aiyejina’s dexterity and dedication to quality sports news reporting.
“Mr. Tana Aiyejina’s elevation as Deputy Editor of The Punch Newspapers is a testament to his dexterity and dedication to quality sports news reportage from his days as a green horn sports reporter with The National Mirror,” he said.
Aiyejina, who hails from Edo State, has earned the moniker ‘Tenacious Tana’ for his objective and tenacious approach to sports journalism.
Mark commended the sports editor’s remarkable track record, stating, “He has always discharged his duties with objectivity and tenacity, a trade mark that earned him the moniker ‘Tenacious Tana.’”
Looking ahead, Mark urged Aiyejina to continue his valuable contributions to the sports sector, saying, “My charge to you as a stakeholder in sports is never to leave the sector, as together let’s build Nigerian sports to an enviable height.”
“The promotion of Tana Aiyejina to the position of Deputy Editor at The Punch Newspapers is a testament to his unwavering commitment to sports journalism and his ability to consistently deliver high-quality reporting. This recognition is sure to inspire other sports journalists to strive for excellence in their craft,” Mark added.
Watching international sports events, including those of the national teams, has become a huge luxury, if not totally impossible in Benin Republic.
The blames are often put on government advisers who probably have not realised the importance of sports in the society.
Fingers point at two personalities – Sinatou Saka and Jean-Marc Adjovi Bocco. Saka was last year appointed representative of the Beninese state on the board of directors of the joint audiovisual company. She is a journalist specializing in digital entrepreneurship.
Bocco, a former professional footballer who played in the defence line of Benin national team is the technical adviser to the minister of sports.
Both were expected to use their good offices to advise government on issues of broadcast rights such that citizens could have access to international sports events, especially football.
They seem to have the views that watching international sports should remain a luxury owing to high cost of buying broadcast rights. The context in France seems to be the yardstick being employed while in the Beninese environment, sponsorship and advertisement is still very weak.
And even when the rights sellers revise the figures downwards, Sinatou Saka is believed to have turned down the offers. Peoples’ passion for sports is often overlooked. Bocco, too despite being a sports personality has not offered any assistance thus depriving millions of Beninese people of these rare moments of happiness around national teams and their athletes.
It is expected that the duo would advise the government to amortize the cost of television rights to relieve the citizens and Beninese generally.
The creme de la creme of sports personalities will gather in Lagos this evening for the 4th edition of Sportsville Special Recognition Award ceremony.
Topping the list of the dignitaries is the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki whose state is receiving award for the Best Sports Facilities Category, immediate past Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare, who is the Special Guest of Honour and ace TV anchor, Oseni Rufai of Arise Television.
The list also includes the Chairman/CEO of BRILA FM, Dr Larry Izamoje, Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Lagos State House of Assembly, Abiodun Orekoya, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tunde Popoola, among others.
The organisers are excited that former Green Eagles Skipper and founder of Eagle 7 Sports Radio, Segun Odegbami, has accepted to Chair the occasion.
“We’re really excited that top personalities like Dr Odegbami will be chairing the occasion. It tells you the credibility and quality of the award which is only in its 4th year,” Frank Ilaboya, the Chief Executive Officer of Sportsville, the organisers of the award said.
The quality of awardees in the different categories is another area Mr Ilaboya is fascinated with.
In the Sports Icon Category, we have the likes of former Governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Solomon Ogba, Rtn Victor Ochei and Otunba Segun Runsewe, OON.
The Sports Administrator of the Year has the NPFL Board Chairman, the quiet and soft speaking Gbenga Elegbeleye.
Dr Uyi Akpata, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, leads the likes of Sam Ocheho and Francis Orbih of Handball and Badminton respectively, Hajiya Zainab Saleh, Hauwa-Kulu Akinyemi and Women football pioneer, Elder Eddington Kuejubola .
The list also includes the Chairman, Anambra State Football Association, Chikelue Ileononysi.
The rave of the moment in sports radio broadcast goes to BRILA FM, while Kunle Solaja is named as Nigeria’s highly rated diarist!
The newly-introduced creative category goes to Jenkins Alumona, the Chief Executive Officer of Flykite Promotions, just as ex-Olympian Daniel Igali wins in the Integrity Category
The Media Officer of the Year goes to Oladimeji Oshode of Remo Stars Football Club.
In the sports facilities category, Edo State came tops while Remo Sports Facilities Complex made the cut in the private sector category.
Mark Igoche clinches the Achieve Award. “My special regards and appreciation go to the Organising Committee led by the ebullient Adekunle Salami, the Deputy Editor and Group Sports Editor of the New Telegraph, for doing a good job, Mr Ilaboya picks up the story again
“I know how daunting it is to sieve few names among the tons of qualified personalities.”
Several arrays of top entertainers have been lined up for the ceremony billed for the prestigious Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos State.
The list of those coming for this Friday’s Sportsville Special Recognition Award is growing by the day.
The latest confirmation came last night from the immediate past Sports Minister, Hon Sunday Dare.
Chief Dare, who was honoured yesterday in Abuja by Frontier Television with Service Award, confirmed his attendance when he spoke with Adekunle Salami, the Chairman of the Organising Committee.
“Count me in to grace the occasion. I will not only attend, but I will be coming with a powerful delegation,” promises the man whose imprints as Sports Minister has continued to resonate in the sports circle.
Dare’s conformation has increased the number of guests expected at the event. As at this morning, over 100 guests have confirmed their seats for the award billed for the Blessing Hall of EKO CLUB, Surulere.
Meanwhile, one of the nominees, Mrs Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi, says she was surprised to be nominated among the awardees. “It came as a pleasant surprise, and I kept wondering what I have done to deserve this honour.
“I am humbled by this and I want to thank the organisers for picking me among the top women administrators in Nigeria.
“This will definitely push me to do more in the years ahead,” the soft spoken administrator added
This year’s edition is the 4th in the series with over 20 people listed for honour. The date is Friday, March 1st, 2024
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