Obaseki pledges to support Erayokan for Tokyo Olympics

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, has committed to the adoption of Orukpe Erayokan ahead of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. 

Erayokan is currently one of Nigeria’s fastest 400 metres runners and remains one of the nation’s brightest hopes for a medal at next year’s Olympics.  

Shortly after a meeting with Sunday Dare, the minister of youth and sports development, on Friday, Obaseki pledged to assist the UK-based two-time All-Africa Games finalist.

The athlete will represent Edo state at the 20th National Sports Festival billed to kick off on April 2 and will hope to shake off rustiness gathered from limited competitions due to COVID-19. 

The adoption programme is an initiative proposed by the ministry of sports to help athletes get the financial security that ensures adequate preparations for the Olympics. 

A number of runners were on the cusps of adoption when the coronavirus pandemic struck and all competitions and games shuttered in reaction.