Tobi Amusan, a gold medalist from Nigeria, and other athletes were recognised on Thursday, September 15, 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari for their outstanding efforts in various international tournaments.
The Commander-in-Chief spent N200 million during the event he presided over to support Team Nigeria delegations to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships. He also presented them with national honours.
Speaking to the athletes in the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, Buhari declared that his administration is dedicated to recognising excellence, especially for those members of Team Nigeria who sparked the national spirit of victory with outstanding performances at international competitions.
The President was quoted as stating in a statement released by his media assistant, Femi Adesina, “Your great results in recent times are congruent with the determination of a nation always striving for excellent performance.”
He praised the athletes for proudly representing Nigeria in nine athletic events, calling them champions, deserving ambassadors, national heroes, and heroines.
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“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.
“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.”
The athletes’ moment of sporting success, according to Buhari, “brought the world’s attention to Nigeria,” and their accomplishments have contributed significantly to the country’s good reputation.
The National Anthem was sung while our green, white, and green national flag was raised twelve times, he continued. We succeeded in getting to the podium 35 times. Team Nigeria as a whole made that possible.
“You elevated our nation’s standing and honour. And today, I say “Thank You!” on behalf of the country.
