KEHINDE FAJOBI
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has told the Nigerian contingents to the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games that a presidential reception will be held to honour them.
The Commonwealth Games hosted in Birmingham had its closing ceremony on Monday with World and Commonwealth gold medalist Tobi Amusan as Nigeria’s flag bearer.
The country achieved her best ever performance at the Commonwealth Games since debuting in 1950, winning 12 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze medals, a total of 35 medals, to place seventh on the medals table.
Speaking with the athletes on Monday, Dare said, “I followed every moment of your competition. I was in Birmingham from the beginning till I had to leave for other official engagements. So many Nigerians followed you too. We are all so proud of what you achieved for Nigeria and yourselves.
“Mr President is also very proud of you and has approved that a presidential reception be held to honour you for the historic feat at Birmingham 2022.
“We will immediately start to plan for the reception and once we have tightened things up, we will announce the date, invite you over from your different bases and you will have that privilege of meeting Mr President.
Nigeria will appreciate you for the great acts of sacrifice, patriotism and determination to excel that you all have demonstrated here, whether you have a medal around your neck or not.”