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Honoring Nigerian Sports Legends: A Night of Tribute and Remembrance
On Monday, 28th, 2025, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos, will host a special evening dedicated to celebrating the lives and legacies of five Nigerian sports legends who passed away during the first half of the year. The event, held at the NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame, will serve as a heartfelt tribute to these remarkable individuals.
The honorees include Christian Chukwu (MFR), Peter Rufai (MON), Charles Bassey (MON), Moses Effiong (MON), and Obisia Nwakpa (OLY). Their contributions to Nigerian sports have left an indelible mark, and this ceremony aims to honor their achievements and inspire future generations.
Families, fans, sports officials, and gospel music artists are expected to gather for the occasion. The event will take place in the main auditorium of the NIIA from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Uplifting gospel music will set the tone for the evening, with performances by Yinka Davies, Faith Ifunaya, and Dancia Ngozi. Opening prayers will be led by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, founder of Trinity House, Lagos.
The program features five tribute segments, each dedicated to one of the honorees. Selected speakers will deliver short, heartfelt tributes, each limited to three minutes. The order of the tributes is as follows:
- Moses Effiong (MON)
- Charles Bassey (MON)
- Obisia Nwakpa
- Peter Rufai (MON)
- Christian Chukwu (MFR, OLY)
An appointed family representative will deliver a closing remark on behalf of all five bereaved families, ensuring that their voices are heard and their memories honored.
Dr. Olusegun Odegbami (MON, OLY), former Nigeria international and Air Peace Ambassador, emphasized that every aspect of the evening has been meticulously planned to ensure a beautiful, dignified, and well-organized farewell for the honored legends. The event will be broadcast live on radio, streamed online, and recorded for later television broadcast.
Popular sports broadcaster Deji Omotoyinbo will serve as Master of Ceremony, guiding the proceedings with precision and grace. His presence ensures that the event maintains a high level of professionalism and respect for the honorees.
The event is entirely free and open to the public, but admission will be strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved seating is available only for VIPs, invited family representatives (limited to three per hero), and selected sports stakeholders.
Sponsored by Air Peace, the newly constructed NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame stands as a lasting symbol of the contributions of Nigerian sports figures to national unity and international diplomacy. Tonight’s tribute marks the first major event to be held at the Wall, setting a precedent for how the country honors its sporting legends.
Odegbami shared a poignant message: “They start their return journey Home to the Creator, befittingly… having enjoyed the grace of life freely gifted by the Creator, and being exalted amongst humans to the status of heroes in their particular fields.”
This evening is not just a celebration of the past but also a reminder of the enduring impact these athletes have had on the nation. Their stories will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of Nigerian athletes and sports enthusiasts.
