The former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Sani Abdullahi Lulu, is set to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Democracy Newsline Newspaper as part of the media outlet’s 15th anniversary celebrations.

 

The announcement was made by Elder Olalekan Aiyenigba, Executive Editor of Democracy Newsline, who described Chief Lulu as “an outstanding administrator who performed credibly well during his tenure as NFF President.”

 

According to Aiyenigba, the award is the result of a nationwide opinion poll conducted by a team of experts, which recognized Chief Lulu’s significant contributions to Nigerian sports administration.

 

The recognition will be formally presented during the 15th Public Lecture and Award Ceremony scheduled for August 26, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja. The program will begin with a red carpet event at 5:00 p.m., followed by the main ceremony at 6:00 p.m. and a dinner reception.

 

This year’s event, themed “Promoting Participatory Democracy and Good Governance,” will bring together prominent stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s democratic journey. Highlights will include a keynote address by a distinguished Nigerian and the official launch of a ₦100 million fund for podcast studio equipment and the establishment of Democracy Newsline Newspaper’s online television station.

 

Chief Lulu, who led the NFF from 2006 to 2010, is widely credited with initiating reforms and fostering talent development within Nigerian football. His upcoming award adds to a long list of recognitions for his contributions to national sports and leadership.