The Traffic

*PRESS RELEASE* 

*NSC Mourns the Passing of Ex Referees Association Chief, Alhaji Tade Azeez*

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sorrow at the death of Alhaji Tade Azeez.  

Azeez was a veteran sports administrator – a former President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NRA), long-time Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), and Chairman of the annual ValueJet Cup. 

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko stated thus “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Alhaji Tade Azeez, whose unwavering commitment to refereeing and football development advanced our game. He will surely be missed by all who know him and we’d do our best to continue the fight for greater sports development, something he always wanted.”

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade hailed Azeez as a true icon of Nigerian refereeing and football development.

 “He was a pillar in the football family,” Hon. Olopade said.  “His integrity, passion and commitment inspired a generation of referees and administrators.  Azeez’s contributions to the advancement of football in Nigeria will never be forgotten.”  

 Hon. Olopade extended heartfelt condolences to Azeez’s family, colleagues and the entire football community.

 “Nigeria has lost a great teacher and mentor,” Olopade noted, praying for comfort for all who grieve.  The Commission commiserates with the Lagos FA, the referees’ body and football fans in mourning this loss and honoring Alhaji Azeez’s enduring legacy.

SIGNED:

Dr ( Mrs ) Kehinde Ajayi  FCAI, ANIPR
Director (Information and PR)
April 26 2025