As part of his open door policy and quest to get the best for Nigeria sports sector, the Honourable Minister of Sports development, Senator John Owan Enoh has takes the athletes to stay focused for the duration of the tournament and emerge the best in Africa.
This, was sequel to a meeting he had with the Nigerian contingent for the 13th African Games currently on going in Ghana. The meeting which was held at the games village ,Limann conference Hall ,Lagon University ,Accra ,Ghana on Saturday offered the Minister opportunity to get first hand information about the welfare of the athletes and his timely respond to issues raised
However, the meeting is the second in five days and underscores the Minister’s commitment to making sure that Nigeria brings continental glory to the country.
While addressing them, Senator Enoh noted that before he came on board as the Minister of sports development, trust issues existed in the country’s sports administration. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the athletes get their due allowances.
On the delay in payment of allowances, the Minister 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.
In the same vein, the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr Habu Gumel, in his good will message, 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 joined the Sports Minister in advising the athletes to stay away from drugs even as they compete for honours.
Also, chairman of the Athletes Commission on Nigeria ,Olumide Oyedeji in his goodwill message, assured the minister that the athletes are ready to make the country proud.
A press statement by the SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Diana Mary Nsan, said 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.
Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Tinuke Watti (Chef de mission) , President of the NOC, Chairman of the Athletes Commission , and all members of Team Nigeria present in Ghana .
