By Goodluck Ikiebe
The Nigerian athletes who competed at the Competition were praised by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, for their patriotism, particularly in the face of the difficulties they faced during the Competition. The World Athletics Championship is coming to an end in Budapest, Hungary.
The Minister disclosed this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,
when he received the Officials, Athletes and Coaches on their arrival from the Games.
Enoh, who advised the Athletes not to be weighed down by their inability to hit the target stated that as a nation, we still celebrate you because we know that you have put in every effort to make Nigeria proud
He explained that there is no greater honour that could have been given to these athletes, who went out to represent Nigeria in far away Budapest than coming out fully, not only to receive them back home but also welcome them with a view to appreciating their earlier efforts, aimed at raising the nation’s flag high.
“You may not have done as expected but as our representatives, we need to welcome you back, even if that serves as a motivation for you in preparation for future competitions” Enoh stated.
The Sports Development Minister expressed optimism that under his watch, the next events that will require athletes to travel to other countries will be more rewarding, both in terms of early camping, adequate training and quicker release of funds.
Enoh noted, “Now that the game is over, it is now time for us as a Ministry to examine the challenges faced at the World Championship with a view to addressing them for more effective performances and podium finishes in subsequent global completions”
He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is passionate about the development of sports in the country, not only as recreation but also to provide opportunities for economic empowerment, job creation, security and poverty alleviation, among others.
The Minister, who assured of continuous Stakeholder engagements, called on philanthropists and sports loving Nigerians to join hands with the Ministry in a bid to fulfil its mandate so as to enhance the socio-economic growth of the nation.
