The House of Representatives has pledged the sum of N100 million to Nigeria’s team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This was as the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, assured the athletes of the House’s support in their quest for medals. He emphasized the importance of sports in national unity, youth engagement, and economic growth.
Abbas also announced that the House and its members would make personal contributions to support the athletes.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the athletes.
Represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, he praised the athletes for their dedication and hard work.
He urged them to make Nigeria proud at the Games.
“I am conveying the decision of the leadership of the house to you. To kick the ball rolling, we are supporting you with a sum of N100 million.
“Proper funding and support must begin years in advance to ensure our athletes are adequately prepared. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made commendable efforts to reinvigorate the sports sector and the National Assembly will support him fully in this regard,” he said yesterday.
Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, and members of the 2024 Olympics/paralympic, who were at the green chamber, presented the lawmakers with the newly unveiled Olympics sports kits.
The member representing Dutsin-ma/Kurfi federal constituency of Katsina, Hon Balele Aminu, also presented the team with a N3 million cheque.
The Olympics is scheduled to start on July 26 and will run till August 11.
Apart from Senator Enoh, the ceremony was also witnessed by President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel; and the President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode.
The event was a tribute to the late Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, who had initiated the hosting of the athletes.
The Speaker observed a minute’s silence in his honour and praised his dedication to sports development.
