President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the medal-winning efforts of several Nigerian athletes as well as their counterparts in other sports, saying their dedication and commitment is inspirational.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the President’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said the president stated this when he met with the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.
Dare had recently received the Maldives’ President Mohammed Solih’s “Special Recognition Award for Contributions to Sports Development in Nigeria and the African Region.”
The president thanked the Minister for the honour to the country after receiving the trophy from him.
He recalled the exploits of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, on national and international stages, noting that he hasn’t forgotten Nigeria’s absence from the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
While commending Dare’s enormous contribution to sports development, the president expressed delight that he had been recognized and applauded outside the shores of the country.
Buhari noted that under Dare, Nigeria’s sports sector had developed from recreation to business.
He added that with revamping of infrastructure, laurels had been harvested at international events by our athletes while harmony and unity of purpose had prevailed in several sporting associations.
The president also applauded the Minister’s commitment, dedication and service to the nation ”in a sector that brings young and old together, as well as athletes and fans.”
He extended his best wishes to the Sports Minister, urging him to continue to give his best for God and country.
In his remarks, the minister thanked the president for his tireless support towards sports matters in the country.
He cited the generous and timely funding from the government to all sporting organisations and their many local and international engagements.
Dare described the recent donation of N200 million to Team Nigeria at the last Commonwealth Games as deeply inspiring. (NAN)
