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Tokyo 2020: Minister Urges Athletes to Embrace Spirit of Patriotism

…Restates FG’s commitment to youth empowerment initiatives

…Prof. Moronkola appointed DG NIS

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By Hillary Asemota

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Akin Dare, has called on Team Nigeria to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, slated for July 2021, to embrace the spirit of patriotism.

This he said is with the view to ensuring more podium appearances during the competition

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Dare, made the call today in his office in Abuja during the presentation of Africa and Nigeria’s first Gymnastics Gold Medalist, Uche Eke to him by the Chairman, Caretaker Committee for Gymnastic Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Ehizoge Erhunwmunse

The Minister expressed optimism that the love for Fatherland, coupled with discipline, consistency, patriotism and dedication among the youth involved in sporting activities will no doubt ensure immeasurable success for Nigeria during the forthcoming Olympic Games

The Minister who said that Nigerian youth remain one of the greatest resource the country would ever have, stated that with the recent performances by some of the athletes, there is a ray of light for the country in the forthcoming global competition, adding that sports in Nigeria is on a new trajectory which is driven by youth with sterling performances 

He explained that “Uche Eke signposts the picture of our sports development”, describing him as one of the best gymnasts in the world having transposed the future of gymnastic athletics in the country

While applauding his excellent performance in the field of education and sports, Mr. Dare affirmed:  “you have brightened our journey to the Olympics and I therefore urge Nigerian youth to emulate your spirit of patriotism and commitment to sports development in the country”

He assured that the federal government was fully committed to supporting the Gold medalist and other talented Nigerian youths to ensure excellence in the fields of sports and other disciplines

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, congratulated the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria for its organisational capacity that has given birth to this feat for the country and Africa as a continent

While stating that it was the first time Nigeria would be qualifying to feature Gymnastics in the Olympics, Engr Anako described Uche Eke as an enterprising young man in the field of academics and games, adding that he was a source of inspiration to.other talented youth in the country

In his response, the All African Games Gold medalist, Uche Eke called on Nigerian youth to imbibe discipline, patriotism and commitment in their various sporting fields and pledged to put in his best to ensure he wins a laurel for the country at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo

He thanked the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as Gymnastic Federation of Nigeria for their encouragement and support

Meanwhile, he said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Prof. Olawale Akanbi Moronkola as the Director General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS).

His appointment followed the demise of Dr. John Mahamud, who was the Director General of the Institute until January 25 2021.

Until his appointment, Professor Moronkola was of the Department of Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan and the Chairman, Sports Council, University of Ibadan. He studied for a B.Ed (Hons) Physical & Health Education, M.Ed, M.Ed Special Education Birmingham and PhD with relevant professional experience.

Moronkola taught Sports Management and Policy Development at Masters level on part time basis at the Pan African University and is the Vice-President, Conference of Collaboration of Education Faculties in West Africa; Council Member, University Games Association; and Vice-President, Conference of Collaboration of Education Faculties in West Africa 2013 till date.

He is a member of the Nigeria Association for Physical, Health Education and Recreation; member, Africa Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation; member of the International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport, Recreation   and   Dance and member of other bodies that are relevant to his new assignment. 

The NIS DG has authored and co-authored many books, research articles and conference papers.

He also reiterated the commitment of federal government towards  checking the spate of restiveness and other youth inclined vices through training, innovation and other empowerment initiatives.

The Minister made the disclosed this today, when he received the Katsina State Commissioner for Rural Development, Engr. Mustapha Kanti-Bello and his entourage in his Office, in Abuja

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, the Minister said that the country is blessed with a burgeoning youth population that needs to be meaningfully engaged as it was the only way of not only checking youth restiveness but also ensuring socio-economic development of the nation.

Dare who described the large population of youth in the country as a positive demographic index, stressed that the President Muhammadu-led Administration has resolved to use the National Youth Investment Fund and other relevant youth programmes to ensure the training and empowerment of the youth for entrepreneurial skills, particularly with a view to checking the involvement of youth in crimes and criminalities in the country.

He commended the Katsina State Government for its passion for youth development programmes that culminated in the setting up of its Rural Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization Programme geared towards training and equipping its youth for positive development in line with the policy thrust of the present Administration.

The Minister further expressed the Federal Government’s continued determination to collaborate with States and other relevant stakeholders on youth empowerment programmes so as to ensure that the Nigerian youth takes the lead in all the developmental strides in the country.

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