Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung , has again reassured Nigerians that the efforts of the athletes competing at the ongoing Rio Olympic Games will not be in vain as, “we will not leave Rio without winning medals’’.
Tony Ubani, Press Officer, Team Nigeria, quoted the minister as saying shortly after Union Bank Nigeria PLC redeemed its N30million pledge to support the team.
Although, Nigeria’s name was yet to be on the medal table, Dalung said that he was optimistic that Team Nigeria would still win medals.
According to him, the minister commended the bank for the support.
“We’re grateful for your donation and we promise to ensure a transparent management of the fund, for you to do more.’’
Ubani said that Yinka Kadejoh, the Events and Sports Officer of the bank presented ATM cards loaded with N250,000 to each of the athletes .
He said that they could use the cards anywhere in the world.
The ceremony took place at the secretariat of Team Nigeria within the Games Village.
The event was witnessed by the NOC President, Habu Gumel, Sani Ndanusa, a former president of NOC and Adolphus Joe Ekpe, the Director-General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission.
Others that witnessed the presentation include: Edward Fom, Deputy Chef d’Mission, Bappa Aliu, Treasurer, NOC, Daniel Igali, President of Wrestling Federation, Enitan Oshodi, President, Table Tennis Federation, and the NOC Sec-Gen., Tunde Popoola.
NOC President, Habu Gumel , thanked the bank for appreciating Team Nigeria, and urged those still in the race for medals to strive harder to ensure a podium appearance for Nigeria.
Vice-Captain of Team Nigeria, Funke Oshonaike, in her response on behalf of the team thanked the bank for having `a heart of gold’ in remembering the athletes.
She also urged other corporate organisations to emulate the bank’s gesture.
A Super Heavyweight boxer, Efe Ajagba, who also received his card thanked the bank for the kind gesture. (NAN)
Leave a Reply