The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, President Nigerian Olympics committee, Engineer Habu Gumel, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nebeolisa Anako as well top Directors of the Ministry on Tuesday bade farewell to the first Batch of Team Nigeria to the Tokyo Olympic games with a charge to the athletes to shun banned substances and to comply with COVID—19 Protocol.
The athletes that departed includes; Ayomide Bello and her coach Ebenezer Ukwunna, Esther Toko and her coach Regina Enofe of Rowing event alongside Secretary-General Olubunmi Oluode. They departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Ethiopian Airline.
Also in the team are the Special Adviser on Sports to the Minister, Ambassador Mary Onyali, Medical crew of Dr. Samuel Ogbondeminu, Messrs Abdulsalam Shuaibu and Ekundayo Ogunkunle.
Speaking during a brief send forth ceremony, the Minister said, “As you go forth today, be prepared to make our country proud at the games by competing clean and bringing glory to your fatherland”.
Speaking in the same vein, President of the Nigerian Olympics Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel said, “You are going out clean free of drugs, make sure you return clean. It is not worth it to win medals and bring shame and disgrace on Nigeria”.
