President Muhammadu Buhari has approved National Honours and N200 million cash prizes for Team Nigeria contingents to World Athletics championship and 2022 Commonwealth Game which held in Birmingham, England earlier in the year.
Top Athletes Oluwatobiloba Amusan and Ese Brume recieved Nigeria’s National Honour, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) at the presidential reception at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, in honour of the athletes.
The president extended his congratulations to the athletes and noted that they were national heroes who had taken the country to great heights. He also reiterated that his government was committed to rewarding excellence, no less for members of Team Nigeria who ignited the spirit of victory in the nation through stellar performances at international competitions.
Quoting him (The President) said; ”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.
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”.
He added that the athletes had brought the country further into limelight saying:
”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.”