Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar Liameed, alongside Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, ACG HK Ejibunu, Dr. Chioma Amajoh (Mama Malaria), Pst. Dr. Victoria Ben Shimfe, and others, was on Saturday, June 21, 2025, honoured with the National Development Merit Award and inducted into the National Development Hall of Fame at the National Merit Award Secretariat, Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
The prestigious ceremony, powered by Elation Magazine, Royal Magation, and Elation Communication Ltd, recognised individuals for their sterling leadership and enduring contributions to national growth through sports, public service, and health advocacy.
Other distinguished awardees included Chief Onyekachukwu Ogbu, Hon. Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, Captain Raymond Bitanis, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Maruwa (Rtd.), among others, for their impactful work across governance, youth development, and nation-building.
Speaking to Sports247 after receiving the award, Hajji Gafar Liameed expressed gratitude and dedicated the honour to Nigerian youth: “This award is for the youth. It is a motivation to continue developing football from the grassroots. I dedicate it to every young player working hard to achieve greatness.”
He also extended heartfelt appreciation to 36 Lion FC/36 Lion Investment, Ajara All Stars International, Badagry fans, the Ikeja/Agege fans, the Great Islanders, the entire Surulere supporters, the LSFA board and members, and his fellow FA Chairmen from Kwara, Kogi, and Gombe States for their continuous support and belief in his leadership.
In a special remark, Hajji Gafar thanked the convener and founder of the award, veteran journalist Mr. Darlington Umoru, publisher of Royal International Magazine, for his vision and dedication to honouring excellence in national development.
He commended Mr. Umoru for creating a platform that recognises and celebrates individuals who are shaping the future of Nigeria through service and impact.
The event brought together dignitaries from across sectors and reaffirmed the national importance of celebrating leadership, service, and dedication to the advancement of society
