ASABA/Nigeria: In a resplendent ceremony that underscored his remarkable contributions to the world of sports, Fred Edoreh, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, was bestowed with the prestigious Exemplary Service Award on Sports Marketing by the National Association For Physical, Health Education, Recreation-Sports And Dance (NAPHER-SD).
The accolade, presented during the 51st National Conference of NAPHER-SD, held at the Business Study Theatre of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Asaba, left an indelible mark on the sports journalism landscape.
The award was conferred upon Edoreh by Prof Bode Durotoye, a former Director of Grassroots Development at the Federal Ministry of Sports, as an unequivocal recognition of his multifaceted contributions to the nation’s sports ecosystem. These contributions encompassed sports journalism, media practice, sponsorship marketing, and unwavering support for the promotion and development of para sports.
Among the distinguished luminaries honoured alongside Edoreh at the event were Chief Solomon Ogba, former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria; Prof Emmanuel Ojeme, past president of NAPHER-SD; Mr. Harrison Ocholor, a renowned sports broadcaster; and Mr. Ejiro Omonode of Mastersports and Crown FM, Asaba, among others.
NAPHER-SD, in its citation titled “Quintessential Fred Edoreh,” highlighted his remarkable role in rescuing the Nigeria Amputee Football Team in 2018 when they faced dire financial difficulties. Edoreh’s relentless efforts and resourcefulness not only secured funding for the team’s participation in the Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico but also played a pivotal role in enabling them to compete in subsequent editions.
The citation read, “Deploying all marketing mix and media goodwill, he raised the fund for the Nigeria team to participate in the Mexico 2018 Amputee World Cup for their first time in history.
In subsequent years, he not only further sourced sponsorship for the team to participate in the Angola 2019 and Tanzania 2021 Africa Amputee Football Cup of Nations but became the sponsorship consultant of the Nigeria Para-Athletic Team to the Doha 2019 World Championships as well as of the Nigeria Paralympic Committee to the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games.”
Fred Edoreh’s impact transcended national borders as he was appointed and honored as an International Peace Ambassador by the United Nations-Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC) for his practical contributions to the inclusion and empowerment of Sports Persons With Disability. His recognized integrity and commitment to the ideals of altruism, promotion of universal moral values, social harmony, inter-religious and ethnic cooperation, and the culture of peace solidified his position as a champion of inclusivity in sports.
A native of Umeh, Isoko South, Fred Edoreh has left an indelible mark on the sports landscape, serving as a two-time Secretary and two-time Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
He is also a member of the International Association of the Sporting Press (AIPS), and his resume boasts several tenures as a member of the Media Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, former member of the Media Delegate Group of the League Management Committee for the revival of the Nigeria Professional Football League, and a current member of the Arts and Entertainment Business Development Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Edoreh’s exemplary dedication to sports, media, and inclusiveness continues to shine brightly, setting a precedent for the next generation of sports enthusiasts and practitioners.
His recognition by NAPHER-SD adds another significant chapter to his illustrious career, further affirming his status as a stalwart in the world of sports journalism and advocacy.
