DIANA MARY NSAN
In line with his hands on approach to leadership,Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Saturday 9th March, 2024, met with the Nigerian contingent for the 13th African Games at the Games Village, Limann Conference Hall ,Lagon University, Accra, Ghana.
The meeting was the second in five days and underscored the Minister’s commitment to making sure that Nigeria brings continental glory to the country.
The Minister of Sports Development noted that before he came on board trust issues existed in the country’s sports administration. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the athletes get their due allowances.
The Minister Further explained that the present protocol does not allow for cash disbursement which has caused some delays. He assured that although this new protocol has caused some delay, all the allowances due the athletes will eventually be paid and nobody would be shortchanged .He called on the athletes to stay focused for the duration of the tournament and emerge the best in Africa.
Engr. Habu Gumel, President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, in his good will message, stated that athletes are in Ghana to make Nigeria proud. He reminded the athletes that the country came second in the last edition of the games and charged them to maintain and even surpass the record. He advised the athletes to stay away from drugs even as they compete for honours.
Chairman of the AthletesCommission ,Olumide Oyedeji in his goodwill message, assured the minister that the athletes are ready to make the country proud.
Senator John Enoh also stated clearly that bonuses for each winning category has graduated and all incentives will be paid for each medal won by individual athletes and teams.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Tinuke Watti (Chef de mission) , President of the NOC, Chairman of the Athletes Commision , and all members of Team Nigeria present in Ghana.