The current president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, was the recipient of commendations from friends, colleagues, partners, and family as they commemorated his appointment as a representative of Africa on the FIFA Executive Council with a star-studded event at on April 1, 2021, at Live Lounge, Lagos.
The event, organised by the media partners with support from Nigerian Breweries’ foremost beer brand, “33” Export featured numerous stakeholders and partners from every industry, ranging from sports to entertainment, business, and more.
Notable friends and partners present at the event included NFF Vice-President, Seyi Akinwumi: CEO, Aiteo Group, Benedict Peters; Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Jordi Borrut Bel; owner, HipTV, Ayo Animashaun; renowned journalist and sports presenter, Colin Udoh; veteran comedian, Bovi; among others.
“This is a moving moment for me,” Pinnick said while showing his appreciation to the attendees and organisers.
“Over the years, I have committed my life to ensure the elevation of Nigerian football across all levels.
“I want to thank the people who placed their faith in me and gave me a chance to make my mark.
“It is thanks to their support that I have made significant strides in the industry and I am well on my way to doing so at a much higher scale.” he continued.
Heralded for his love for the sport and his dogged, endearing personality, Pinnick was subject to numerous tributes, tongue-in-cheek comments and recollections by many of his friends.
The high turnout at the event was a testament to his achievements within the industry.
Starting as the Chairman of the Delta State Football Association (DSFA), Pinnick rose through the ranks, eventually emerging as the President of the NFF.
Under his tenure, the NFF recorded numerous achievements unheard of before his emergence as President.
His keen eye for business proved invaluable for the Federation too, as the body is on course to become completely self-funding by the end of his second term in office after achieving 65% private sector funding, raking in sponsors like Nigeria Breweries, organisers of the commemorative event; Aiteo, Coca Cola, Zenith Bank, NIKE, Cadbury, WAPIC Insurance, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, TGI, 1XBet, Peak Milk, Payporte, among others.
Emmanuel Oriakhi, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, paid a special tribute to the technocrat, highlighting his love for the sport and his innovative solutions to solving problems.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Amaju for years and I must say his work ethic and dedication to the course is second to none.
“His administration has encouraged a lot more commercial investment in Nigerian football, with Nigerian Breweries supporting his projects with brands such as Star Lager and “33” Export.
“I congratulate him as he takes yet another massive step forward and this event organised by Nigerian Breweries has organised is a small tribute paid to his incredible leadership.” he said.
Serving as the current president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) since September 2014, Amaju Melvin Pinnick becomes only the third Nigerian to serve in world football’s highest decision-making body.
In 2017, he was appointed member of the organizing committee for FIFA competitions and elected into the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee.
Subsequently, in the same year, he was appointed President of AFCON and later became the First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football in September 2018, replacing Kwesi Nyantakyi.
