President Muhammadu Buhari has approved National Honours and a cash reward of N200 million for Team Nigeria contingents to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and World Athletics championships.
The president stated this at a presidential reception in honour of the athletes on Thursday, September 15, in Abuja.
He expressed the commitment of his Government to rewarding excellence, no less for members of Team Nigeria who ignited the spirit of victory in the nation through stellar performances at international competitions.
While congratulating all the awardees and recipients, Buhari expressed confidence that this would spur them to greater heights.
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The president, who described the athletes as champions, worthy ambassadors, national heroes and heroines, heaped praises on them for proudly flying the Nigerian flag in nine sporting events.
Buhari explained;
I watched with millions of Nigerians those exciting moments when you all brought smiles to us and our homes by breaking world, national and games records, as well as achieving personal best in your careers.
Your outstanding performances in recent times are consistent with the determination of a nation always yearning for excellent performance.
You all, members of Team Nigeria have ignited the spirit for victory in our nation but even more you have been victorious in major sporting championships and games.
I have followed keenly your achievements at the World Championships in Oregon USA and indeed your remarkable performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
And I am very pleased that you displayed at both the personal and group levels great sporting talents and delivered for your country great podium performances.
Buhari also told the athletes that their hour of sporting glory beamed the ‘‘radar of the world on Nigeria’’, adding that their exploits had gone a long way in projecting the positive image of the country.
Twelve times the world stood still as our green, white green national flag was hoisted and the National Anthem recited. Thirty-five times we made it to the podium. You all Team Nigeria made that possible.
You brought glory and honour to our country. And today, on behalf of the nation- I say, THANK YOU!
The president called out the names of the gold winners and other medal winners including the world champion in the 100m hurdles, Tobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu, Oluwafemiayo Folashade, and Taiwo Liadi.
Others include Ikechukwu Obichukwu, Bose Omolayo, Favour Ofili, Nasiru Sule, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi, Ebikewenimo Welson, Hannah Rueben, and Elizabeth Oshoba.
He reiterated the commitment of this administration to providing the enabling environment for youths to ascend to the pinnacle of their chosen careers.
The president also expressed satisfaction with the impact the Adopt-An-Athlete Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports had on the performance of athletes.
He urged more private individuals and corporate organizations to support the government’s investment in sports, which had been reclassified from being a recreational activity to a business in line with modern practices worldwide.
President Buhari also acknowledged the many giant strides witnessed in the sports sector under the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, and his team.
He, therefore, commended the numerous and sustained successes recorded in the last few years.
