Matchmakers floats ‘Africa LAMPS Awards’
Matchmakers Consult International, organisers of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards have announced that plans are already in advanced stages to host Africa at AFRICA LAMPS AWARDS.
Shina Philips, CEO of Matchmakers International, described the legends of Arts, Music, Management, Politics, Science, Security and Sports Awards- the Africa LAMPS Awards- as an event which Africans will look forward to every year.
“The Africa LAMPS Awards is designed to honour Africa’s best in all fields of human endeavours. Winners will be decided by 52 voters across Africa in conjunction with 6 renowned institutes. The Award Advisory Board is chaired by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, a pastor and chartered accountant,” Philips explained.
Matchmakers Consult International hit public consciousness when the management of the Nigeria Football Federation endorsed and supported the Nigeria Pitch Awards, an initiative of the company. Before this attempt to reward Nigerian footballers and officials, the Federation had never been directly involved in any football awards since it was established in 1945; although, one or two of the Federation’s officials have attended previously organised football awards notably the AIT Football Awards.
The Nigerian football community has thrown its weight behind the initiative. Nigerian Ex-International, Jay Jay Okocha, who was among personalities present at the first present conference in 2012 echoed popular sentiments when he said, “The idea of an Annual Football Awards is long overdue. It is a good thing that the present NFF administration has decided to endorse and support the private initiative of Matchmakers to start something. As a former player and as a Member of the NFF Technical Sub-Committee, I give my full support to the drive. There is really nothing like due recognition, which is the purpose of Awards.”
Speaking at the World Press Conference heralding the 3rd edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, the General Secretary of the Federation, represented by Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme reiterated the football body’s total support for the awards.
The 2015 edition held in Kaduna was a well-attended ceremony, hosting the heavyweights in the Nigerian football community. The Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Barr. Solomon Dalong, Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports and the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick led the array of top dignitaries who graced the event at the prestigious Hotel Seventeen.
The 2015 winners were: Goal Keeper of the Year, Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars FC); Defender of the Year, Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba FC); Midfielder of the Year, Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars FC); Striker of the Year, Odion Ighalo (Watford FC); Rasheedi Yekini Award, Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves FC); Most Valuable Player (Men) in the NPFL, Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves FC); Most Valuable Player (Women) in the NPFL, Ngozi Ebere (Rivers Angels FC); Club of the Year, Enyimba FC; Team of the Year, U-17 Golden Eaglets; Coach of the Year, Emmanuel Amuneke (U-17 Golden Eaglets); Manager of the Year, Kadiri Ikhana (Enyimba FC); Referee of the Year, Ferdinand Udoh and Player’s Agent of the Year, John Olatunji Shittu.
Others are State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme (Lagos State); Football Friendly Governor of the Year, Gov Nyesom Wike (Rivers State); Football Journalist of the Year – Print, Tana Aiyejina (Punch Newspapers); Football Journalist of the Year –Radio, Godwin Enakhena (Top Radio); Football Journalist of the Year –TV, Austin Okon-Akpan (Channels Television); Corporate Sponsor of Football, Globacom –Gold, Guinness Nigeria plc –Silver, Supersport –Bronze; Sam Okwaraji Awards, Segun Odegbami (Ex-International), Amaju Pinnick (Administrator); John Obi Mikel (Highest Number of Caps in the team); Queen of the Pitch, Asisat Oshoala (Liverpool Ladies); King of the Pitch, Odion Ighalo (Watford FC); Special Achievement Award, His Excellency, Nasir El-Rufai (Executive Governor, Kaduna) State, Barr. Solomon Dalong (Minister of Sports), Sir Mike Mbama Okiro (Chairman, Police Service Commission), Dr Mohammed Sanusi (General Secretary, Nigeria Football Federation) and Football Achievement Award, Samson Siasia (Super Eagles Chief Coach).
