By Andrew Abah, Abuja
African Champions, D’Tigress of Nigeria, are in more joyous mood in Lyon, France venue of the FIBA Women’s World cup Qualifying Tournament, as they received the promises made to them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, after winning the Afrobasket in August last year in Cote d’Ivoire.
The players and their officials were presented with their certificates for National Honours and title documents to their houses allocated to them in Abuja by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, alongside other top Government officials.
This Renewed Hope gesture is a clear departure from the experiences of the past, where Government promises took years and decades before they were frustratingly fulfilled.
The NSC Chairman said this is a prompt fulfilment of promises made by a President who truly cares with both his words and actions, stressing that Nigerian sports wouldn’t have prayed for a better leader than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in a time and season like this in the country’s sporting history.
“I want to first of all thank Mr. President for making sports work again in Nigeria and giving every Nigerian athlete a renewed confidence that sports can truly change their lives and put food on their table, because it’s not just a leisure but a serious business.
“Mr. President is happy to give you girls these honours and houses because you have consistently placed Nigeria on the global map with your performances, your patriotic spirit and you never gave up mentality.”
The Chairman also assured the girls that the money promised to them by the President is almost in the final stage for disbursement and that too will soon drop in their respective bank accounts.
The Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade also said in his remarks that Mr. President is truly redefining what sports should be in line with what is obtainable in developed countries where sports is thriving.
“Mr. President is a rewarder and his reward system is already yielding tremendous results in sports and fulfilling his promise to you girls on time is another testament to the priority he places on Nigerian sports.
“Like what I often say, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, be rest assured that when you do well for the country, just know a grateful and thankful Nation is waiting for you,” he concluded.
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Engr Musa Ahmadu Kida, also thanked Mr. President for laying down a legacy of a lifetime for Nigerian sports with the way he prioritizes the welfare of Nigerian athletes.
The Team Coach, Rena Wakama said they are eternally grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the show of love and support, assuring the country that there is more to come from her team.
Captain of the Team, Amy Okonkwo also expressed gratitude to Mr. President on behalf of the entire team while also assuring that their commitment to the country will continue to soar higher.
