Sport minister, Dare urges athletes to be more patriotic

By Abolaji Adebayo

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has called on Team Nigeria to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games slated for July 2021 to embrace the spirit of patriotism with a view to ensuring more podium appearances during the competition.

Dare made the call in his office in Abuja during the presentation of Africa and Nigeria’s first Gymnastics Gold Medalist, Uche Eke to him by the Chairman, Caretaker Committee for Gymnastic Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Ehizoge Erhunwmunse

The Minister expressed optimism that the love for Fatherland, coupled with discipline, consistency, patriotism and dedication among the youth involved in sporting activities will no doubt ensure immeasurable success for Nigeria during the forthcoming Olympic Games

The Minister, who said Nigerian youths remain one of the greatest resource the country would ever have, stated that with the recent performances by some of the athletes, there is a ray of light for the country in the forthcoming global competition, adding that sports in Nigeria is on a new trajectory which is driven by youths with sterling performances

He explained that “Uche Eke signposts the picture of our sports development”, describing him as one of the best gymnasts in the world having transposed the future of gymnastic athletics in the country

While applauding his excellent performance in the field of education and sports, Dare affirmed: “You have brightened our journey to the Olympics and I therefore urge Nigerian youths to emulate your spirit of patriotism and commitment to sports development in the country.”

He assured that the Federal Government was fully committed to supporting the Gold medalist and other talented Nigerian youths to ensure excellence in the fields of sports and other disciplines

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, congratulated the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria for its organisational capacity that has given birth to this feat for the country and Africa as a continent

While stating that it was the first time Nigeria would be qualifying to feature Gymnastics in the Olympics, Engr Anako described Uche Eke as an enterprising young man in the field of academics and games, adding that he was a source of inspiration to.other talented youth in the country

In his response, the All African Games Gold medalist, Uche Eke called on Nigerian youth to imbibe discipline, patriotism and commitment in their various sporting fields and pledged to put in his best to ensure he wins a laurel for the country at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo

He thanked the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as Gymnastic Federation of Nigeria for their encouragement and support.