The Director of Sports, Ogun State Sports Council (OGSSC), Mrs Iyabode Rotimi has bagged the Certified Institute of Sports Management (CISM) Fellow award.
The investiture ceremony held at Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta on Tuesday had in attendance the CISM executive members led by its Registrar, Dr. Stanley Ihedigbo as well as management staff of the sports council.
Speaking on the rationale for the presentation of the award, Dr. Stanley noted that she was selected based on information gathered about her antecedents, enviable character and dedication to work even before she became the sports director.
He stated: “It is time we start celebrating Nigerians who had done well in sports, if you kook at other professions, you will see engineer, accountant, doctors, and many others celebrating their own persons.
“People that had done well should be celebrated. We have been following madam looking at what she did at the National Sports Festival in Edo State, we followed her up, we don’t just pick up people. That’s is why somebody nominated her and we are contented with all her achievements, and very important we recognised her for her sterling efforts.
“As a professional institute, our activities is based on sports, our aim is to celebrate men and women that have made Nigeria proud in various sporting activities.
“It is very important for rightful people should he appointed into position. Not about appoint non-professional into sports position. Those with experience and knowledge should man the leadership places, that is our projection.”
In her speech, the sports director said: “I will say that I am very happy to receive the award. Somebody might have been working round the clock without knowing that people are watching what you have been doing. Who nominated me for this award, I never know, but only God does.
“But one day, whether it is good or bad, you will just get that reward, and that is what is happening today. I am really happy, and I am giving all the glory to the God Almighty.”
Responding in whom she will dedicate the award to, she stressed: “Firstly, I am dedicating the award to my God Almighty and secondly, to His Excellency, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for the confidence and trust he believes in me to become the sports director.
“This award is a call to service, a call to serve more than ever before. It is an award tasking me to show more commitment, dedication and justify the confidence and trust the government, my people have in me.
“I want to appreciate all the sports council staff for making the day a reality. They are the engines that drive the motivation that we have been getting the needed results in our endeavours. God bless you all.
“My expectation is to get more, and to be more dedicated in all that I have been putting in, not relenting in my efforts and many more.”
“My advice to other directors of sports across the country is that whatever they know how to do best, they should do and put all their efforts and leave all other things to God, and for people to judge them.”
