Nigerian Billionaires Should Emulate Aiteo Boss, says NFF President
'Aiteo funds 30% of NFF's entire expenditure'
President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has shared reasons why he felt the founder of Aiteo Group, Benedict Peters, was a template for every other Nigerian billionaires who are looking forward to invest in Nigerian sports.
According to the Pinnick who spoke on Monday during the Aiteo/NFF Award Night in Lagos said, in the last two years the Aitoe Group has funded 30% of the entire expenditure of the NFF describing it has a feat worthy of emulation.
He explained that the steadfast commitment to the growth of the round leather game from the company really made the country proud at the Global stage with remarkable experience in the 20918 FIFA world Cup in Russia but also for CAF Nations Cup qualifiers and other national levels commitments.
“Today, Aiteo alone funds 30% of the entire expenditure of the NFF. All the deals we have with Aiteo are also for a duration of five years. We have so many Nigerian billionaires, and we think they should emulate what Aiteo is doing,” he said.
Read also: Aiteo/NFF Awards: Musa is Nigeria’s best
High-point of the award night was the presentation of awards to the Super Eagles Class of 94. Among those present to receive the award in person were: Peter Rufai, Daniel Amokachi, Augustine Eguavoen, Sunday Oliseh.
Jay Jay Okocha, Samson Siasia, Edema Fuludu, Mutiu Adepoju, Alloy Agu, Nduka Ugbade, Ben Iroha, Uche Okechukwu, Finidi George, Taribo West and Victor Ikpeba. The daughter of late Super Eagles forward, Rashidi Yekini also walked the stage to receive her father’s award.
Speaking on behalf of the 94 team, Sunday Oliseh said “Indeed it is a great one for me and my teammates, those of us alive; we are very proud and it is also a moment to reflect on those who have passed on.”
Earlier, in his remark the the Chief Executive Officer of the Aiteo Group, joined the NFF to celebrate the Eagles Class of year 1994 stating that they are always remembered for their feat has helped to produce the best ever FIFA Ranking for the country.
He said,“Today, we all remember that golden era with very fond emotions. It was a phenomenal moment when our country spoke one language – football; when we achieved the highest FIFA ranking ever for an African team for our beautiful playing style; and when our team gave us something bigger than a trophy -A legacy.”
“Since we forged this winning partnership with NFF, football in Nigeria has witnessed tremendous improvements. We have not only intervened decisively in eliminating financial constraints that hitherto constricted on-field performance; we have also provided strong moral support to the facilitation of instructive platforms such as this, the Aiteo NFF Awards,” he added.
The event was attended by prominent people across various facets of society including the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who received a special award from the NFF. The award was presented alongside Lagos Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara state Governor-elect, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, and Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.
FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura, at the occasion received a special award. NFF the Vice Presidents, Shehu Dikko and Seyi Akinwunmi, who is the Chairman of the Awards Committee joined dignitaries on the occasion.
Ahmed Musa emerged The Player of the year in the Male category while Onome Ebi won in the female category.