From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has donated N100 million to the Nigeria contingent to 2024 Olympic Games, holding in Paris, and called on public spirited individual to support sports development in the country.
The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the donation, yesterday, when the House played host to the Olympics/ Paralympic contingent, led by the Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh.
Abbas, who was represented by the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said funding for sports cannot be done on the eve of competitions. He noted that the House is committed to supporting policies and making laws that would promote sports at all levels.
The speaker paid tributes the chairman, House Committee on Sports, Ekene Adams, who died on Tuesday morning, for his visionary leadership before his demise.
“As we gather here today, I am reminded of the visionary leadership of Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, who sadly passed away yesterday. It was his initiative to host our exceptional sportsmen and women in this chamber, and this session stands as a tribute to his dedication and honour to his memory…
“In honour of our late colleague, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, and our commitment to supporting our Olympians, the House of Representatives and all its members will make a personal contribution towards the success of the Olympics and to support our Nigerian athletes. Your journey to Paris is not just a quest for medals but a mission to elevate the spirit of our nation. I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to emulate this gesture of the House and support our athletes.
“But we have decided to start the ball rolling to kick it rolling with a sum of 100 million naira to support the team and we’re using this opportunity to call on a sport because sports unites us as a nation, “ he stated.
Furthermore, the speaker added “Today’s gathering is an expression of our unwavering support for you, our Olympians. We stand here to inspire and motivate you to achieve great heights at the forthcoming global sporting event in Paris. The House of Representatives, and indeed all Nigerians, represented by this ‘People’s House,’ are behind you. We urge you to carry our national torch with pride, uphold our values, and represent Nigeria with dignity and honour.
“Our legislative agenda prioritises sports development, recognizing its vital role in national unity, youth engagement, and economic growth. The House is committed to supporting policies and crafting laws that promote sports at all levels, ensuring our athletes receive the support and infrastructure necessary to excel.
“On a global scale, we aim to position Nigeria as a leader in sports, advocating for international cooperation and the development of sports as a means of fostering peace and understanding.”
Earlier, Enoh commended the House for the initiative to host the contingent ahead of the Olympics Games, noting that the athletes had never been so honoured to be hosted in the hallowed chambers of the parliament.
The minister, while stating that there was need to promote sports activities at the grassroots to keep youths in the rural areas busy and out of crime, promised
all the fund generated though the intervention of the House will be applied strictly to the welfare of the athletes.
