Mimiko, Orhii also winUNIVERSAL Promotional Wrestling Federation (UPWF) world heavyweight champion, Osita Offor (De Ultimate Commander), at the weekend at Eko Hotel, Lagos, beat Supers Eagles' Osaze Odemwingie and Taye Taiwo to emerge Modemen magazine's Sports Personality of the Year 2011.The organisers of the award, which also featured winners in other categories, disclosed that De Commander was chosen by voters through SMS, adding that the wrestler's victory marked the peoples' disenchantment with Nigerian football, which reached its all time low in 2011.Other winners at the event graced by sports personalities, politicians, artistes and business executives were Governor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State, who won the Governor of the Year award, Dr. Paul Orhii of NAFDAC, who won the Man of the Year award, and Orode Uduaghan, who emerged as the Woman of the Year.Tonye Cole won the Business Man of the Year award, with Seyi Law winning the Comedian of the Year award, just as Lanre Smith was named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Other awardees included Joseph Benjamin (Actor of the Year), Polo (Luxury Brand), Teju Babyface (Television Personality), Freeze (Radio Personality), Duncan Mighty (Musician of the Year) and Agbabiaka Adesanya Khalid, who won the Model of the Year.Speaking after receiving his award, De Commander thanked the organisers for instituting the programme, saying that his victory showed that Nigerians still recognised and appreciated hardwork. According to him, the award would spur him on to continue to do his best to project the image of the country.He added that the honour has given him more courage in his impending battle against American wrestlers in Calabar later this month: 'I want to thank my supporters, especially those people that have encouraged me to this level in world wrestling,' he said.'I want to assure you that I will do everything possible to retain my crown despite the caliber of wrestlers coming from America to challenge in Calabar this Christmas period. I am dedicating this award to Abia State Governor, Dr. Theodore Ahamefula Orji, for restoring peace and security to the state.Also, to 'Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, who has been working hard to empower the youths, not only of Cross River State, but also those from other states. I say thank you, and be rest assured that posterity will remember you positively.
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