President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja conferred National Honours on all Team Nigeria medallists; Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and other athletes who represented Nigeria at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships.
According to a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesperson, Buhari also approved cash rewards of N200 million to all members of the Nigerian contingent to the competition.
The president rewarded the athletes for their achievements at the CWG after receiving them at the state house on Thursday.
Nigeria won 12 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze – a total of 35 medals – at the games.
The Nigerian team also finished as the best-ranked African country on the medals table, placing 7th.
Tobi Amusan, who won gold in the women’s 100m hurdles and world record holder, was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Other medallists including Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu, Oluwafemiayo Folashade, Taiwo Liadi, Ikechukwu Obichukwu, Bose Omolayo, Favour Ofili, Nasiru Sule, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi, Ebikewenimo Welson, Hannah Rueben, and Elizabeth Oshoba were also given national honours.
”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 best in your careers,” Buhari said.
”Your outstanding performances in recent times are consistent with the determination of a nation always yearning for excellent performance.
”You all, members of Team Nigeria have ignited the spirit for victory in our nation but even more you have been victorious in major sporting championships and games.”I have followed keenly your achievements at the World Championships in Oregon USA and indeed your remarkable performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
”And I am very pleased that you displayed at both the personal and group levels great sporting talents and delivered for your country great podium performances.
”Twelve times the world stood still as our green, white green national flag was hoisted and the National Anthem recited. Thirty-five times we made it to the podium. You all Team Nigeria made that possible.
”You brought glory and honour to our country. And today, on behalf of the nation – I say, Thank you.”
Reiterating the commitment of this regime in providing the enabling environment for youths to ascend to the pinnacle of their chosen careers, the President expressed satisfaction with the impact the Adopt-An-Athlete Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports had on the performance of athletes.
He urged more private individuals and corporate organizations to support the government’s investment in sports, which has been reclassified from being a recreational activity to being a business in line with modern practices worldwide.
Buhari also acknowledged the strides witnessed in the sports sector under the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and his team, commending the numerous and sustained successes recorded in the last few years.
