Sports
Buhari confers National honours award on Team Nigeria, showers them with N200m
President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred Team Nigeria athletes in the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and World Athletics Championships, Oregon, USA with National Honours Award.
Director of Press and Public Relations
Mohammed Manga in a statement said the President also showeed them with Two hundred million naira cash reward, following their stellar performances at the Games.
According to the Statement, Buhari the gave gave the awards on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja during the Presidential Reception held in their honour to appreciate them for their podium performances at the competitions.
He stated that the present administration is committed to rewarding excellence, especially for members of such a heroic team who succeeded in putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians through their conquests that lifted the name of the country high in the global world of sports.
While applauding the athletes whom he described as champions and worthy ambassadors, the President said, “you are indeed our dear Nation’s heros and heroines, you have distinguished yourselves with worthy ambassadorship of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”*
He explained that the contingents’ outstanding performance had gone a long way in projecting the positive image of the country among other nations. “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 bests in your career” the President said.
President Buhari maintained that these feats have done the nation proud at the Games and Championships, as their exploits led to the singing of the nation’s anthem 12 times in a period of 14 days before a massive viewing audience across the over 210 countries and territories of the world.
This he added, is consistent with the determination of a nation which is always yearning for excellence.
The President who noted that the awards will further spur more Nigerian athletes into striving for greater heights, commended the Management and Staff of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, National Olympic Committee as well as the Coaches for their resilience in ensuring that so many laurels were won for the country.
He assured that his administration will continue to create an enabling environment for the development of sports as a business.
The President called on private individuals to partner with government by investing in sports with a view to empowering Nigeria’s teeming youth thereby making them self reliant, self employed, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, stated that the year 2022 has become an outstanding year in the history of Nigerian sports and as such, cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
“It is a year where many Sporting Federations have surpassed and are surpassing their previous performances. It has also become a year where many athletic records were broken. More is expected. It’s quiet a long list” he said.
Dare therefore called on all Nigerians to accord the athletes with praise, recognition and appreciation for their sacrifice, talents, consistency, commitment, discipline, focus and above all, patriotism.
He added that they have undoubtedly brought glory to the nation.
The Minister commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for its commitment to the development of youth and sports in the country as well as laudable initiatives, like the Adopt-an-Athlete project which has birthed a new trajectory in sports and athletes’ performances
In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, urged Nigerian athletes to continue to justify federal government’s investments in sports by striving to keep the nation’s flag flying in the comittee of sporting nations.
Also, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, in a good will message at the event, thanked the female athletes for doing the nation proud and urged more women to rise to the challenge of contributing to the development of the country, not only in sports but in their various fields of endeavour.
Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has hosted Kogi-born sports sensation Matthew Ovayioza Sarah at her Abuja residence, celebrating her remarkable achievements in weightlifting and arm wrestling.
Ovayioza gained global recognition after clinching two gold medals at the Weightlifting World Championship in Manama, Bahrain, marking her as one of Nigeria’s brightest sports stars. During the meeting, she presented her medals to the senator and discussed her need for financial sponsorship and access to advanced training facilities to prepare for future competitions.
A statement by her chief Press Secretary Orogbonlo Isreal in a statement quoted her to have commended Ovayioza for her resilience and dedication, despite facing numerous challenges, and encouraged her to remain focused.
“Your achievements are a source of pride for Kogi and Nigeria. We will ensure you receive the support you need to excel further,” she said.
In a gesture of support, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan provided ₦2 million to the athlete and pledged to seek additional resources from relevant government bodies to aid her career.
Ovayioza has an impressive record of accomplishments, including, 2 Gold Medals in Weightlifting World Championship, Bahrain (2024), 3 Gold Medals in Nigerian National Weightlifting Championship, Abuja (2024) and 2 Gold Medals in Armwrestling African Championship, Accra (2023).
Others are 1 Bronze Medal Nigerian National Sports Festival, Delta (2022) and 1 Gold & 1 Silver Medal at National Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2022) and 2 Gold Medals Bamitonia Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2023)
She also holds three national records in weightlifting, including a snatch lift of 117 kg, a clean and jerk lift of 138 kg, and a total lift of 255 kg. Ovayioza is currently ranked World No. 3 in the 76 kg weightlifting category.
Beyond weightlifting, she is a two-time African champion in arm wrestling’s 71 kg category and a multiple-time Nigerian champion.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s support underscored her commitment to fostering grassroots talent and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the backing they need to excel on the global stage.
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has extended heartfelt congratulations to teenage motorsport sensation Ugo Ugochukwu Orlandi for his groundbreaking victory at the 71st Macau Grand Prix.
Writing on his X-Handle, Obi lauded the 17-year-old driver for becoming the first American in over 40 years to win the coveted FIA World Cup title.
He described Ugo’s achievement as a historic moment of pride and inspiration, highlighting his exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work.
“Ugo’s outstanding victory stands as a testament to his immense talent, hard work, and consistent dedication qualities that our youth today can demonstrate when given the right support and guidance,” Obi said.
Born to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi and Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi, Ugo’s diverse heritage was also celebrated in Obi’s message.
He emphasized the young driver’s role as a beacon of inspiration for Nigerian youth, showcasing how passion and opportunity can lead to remarkable success.
Obi also commended McLaren Racing for its pivotal role in nurturing Ugo’s potential and investing in the future of young talents in motorsport.
He described Ugo’s success as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and supporting young people’s aspirations.
“Beyond making history, you have inspired millions,” Obi wrote, expressing optimism about Ugo’s continued rise in the motorsport world.
The victory at Macau is the latest milestone in Ugo’s fast-ascending career, solidifying his position as a future star of international motorsport.
As Edo Queens prepare for a crucial face-off with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a heartfelt message of support, rallying the team to victory.
The match, set for Saturday, November 16 in Casablanca, Morocco, will determine whether the Queens advance to the semifinals.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have praised the Queens’ achievements, acknowledging the determination and hard work that has kept them at the top of Group B.
He assured the team of his administration’s unwavering backing. “I want our girls to know that we are fully behind them,” the governor stated.
“They have nothing to worry about — their state and nation stand solidly with them. We want them to defeat Sundowns on Saturday and make Edo State and Nigeria proud.”
Okpebholo also expressed confidence that the Queens could go on to win the tournament, promising that his administration will prioritize sports development across Edo State.
“Go ahead and win the cup and bring it to your fatherland. Sports will surely receive the attention it deserves under my government,” he affirmed.
Edo Queens, champions of the Nigeria Women Premier League, began their CAF campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank, with goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Goodness Osigwe.
A goalless draw with Egypt’s Masar FC kept them at the top of Group B, positioning them for a semifinal berth if they secure a win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The much-anticipated showdown is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm local time on Saturday.
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