Senate asks FG to confer national honour on Tobi Amusan

The senate has commended Tobi Amusan, the Nigerian sprinter, for setting a new world record in the women’s 100 meters hurdles.

Amusan finished the final race in 12.12 seconds to win the gold medal at the World Athletic Championship.

The 25-year-old became the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the world championship with a spirited display in Eugene, Oregon, in the early hours of Monday.

The upper legislative chamber asked the executive arm of government to confer on her a national honour.

The resolution of the senate was sequel to a motion sponsored by Ibikunle Amosun, senator representing Ogun central.

Also speaking, Tolu Odebiyi, senator representing Ogun west, said Amusan’s success shows that Nigerians can do well if provided the right environment.

“Her success speaks volumes of what ordinary Nigerians can achieve if only we are able to provide the necessary environment for them,” Odebiyi said.

“I wholeheartedly support this motion and encourage my colleague to also support it.”

On his part, Olalekan Mustapha, senator representing Ogun east, urged his colleagues to commend the athlete.

“I want to join my other colleagues from Ogun State to congratulate Oluwatobiloba. I’m directly happy because Tobi is an ijebu girl and from my senatorial district,” Mustapha said.

“I want to congratulate her and I want to enjoin my colleagues to help us in commending the girl for representing Nigeria proudly.”

The senate also urged the federal government to increase its investments in sports.

The motion was adopted after it was put to vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.