Budapest 2023: Don’t disappoint Nigerians, sports minister tells athletes

John Owan Enoh, the newly sworn-in minister of sports development, has called on the Nigerian athletes participating in this year’s World Athletics Championship to put the country firmly in the hunt for medals.

The championship is currently taking place in Budapest, Hungary.

In a statement signed on Monday, the minister urged the athletes not to disappoint the millions of Nigerians “who believe in you and cheer for your success”.

“Your participation in the World Athletics Championship not only represents personal accomplishments but also exemplifies the unity of our nation,” he said.

“You are the embodiment of our diversity, strength and determination. As you stand side by side with athletes from around the world, remember that you carry the hopes and dreams of millions of Nigerians who believe in you and cheer for your success.”

While commending the coaches, support staff and other technical officials for their efforts, the minister expressed hope that the athletes would excel at the global meet.

“Let me assure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is standing behind you with the entire nation, united in our support and admiration as the whole nation look forward to according you a heroic welcome on your return home,” Enoh added.

Sports minister seeks stakeholders support

Enoh also called for collaboration and synergy with relevant stakeholders in and outside the sports industry with a view to developing the sector in line with contemporary realities.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is passionate about the development of sports in the country and that is why he assigned me to specifically drive the development of the sector,” he said.

The minister said collaboration had become imperative, especially as sports is not only one of the most unifying factors for all Nigerians but also one of the key sectors that contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.

“As challenging as the country is today, despite the conflicts and the diversity, sports unite every one of us,” he said.

Enoh, who assured of his commitment to ensuring a complete turnaround in the sector in line with the policy thrust of the present administration, also said: “I call on staff and officials of the ministry, as well as sports federations, to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in ensuring that Nigeria has the best representations in all competitions”.