Francis Ajuonuma
17 January 2008
Lagos — Late coach Yemi Tella was yesterday honoured with the Eko FM Person of the Year Award for 2007.
Tella who tutored the Golden Eaglets to victory at the 2007 FIFA Under -17 World in Korea, in August /September , dead on October 20 at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital LUTH after a protracted illness.
The late Golden Eaglets tactician garnered 109 votes to beat President Umar Musa Yar'Adua to the second position, while former boss of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Nuhu Ribadu was voted to the third position.
Mrs Peju Tella who was on hand to receive the award for her late husband commended the management of the radio house and the Lagos state government for recognizing late Tella's achievements and contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.
Despite the death of my husband, I'm happy that Nigerians, the Lagos State government, the management of Eko FM and others recognize his efforts and achievements in the country," she said.
Past winners of the award include former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, ex-Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Nigerian judiciary and Osama Bin Ladin, amongst others.
Speaking on the voting process that picked Tella ahead of others listed for the award, the General Manager of Eko FM, Mrs Tinu Aina said the award was based on the entries received from Nigerians across the country who felt the late coach did the nation and the entire African continent proud by winning the world cup despite his poor health problem during the championship.
"He was voted the winner because of his achievement by winning the Under-17 World Cup in Korea with the Golden Eaglets. And because he was ill, yet he went ahead to complete his achievement," she said.
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