All Africa Games: Perm Sec to Contingents, Bring Glory to Your Fatherland
Zainab Tanimu
Kaduna, Northwest, NIGERIA
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Olusade Adesola has charged athletes who will be representing Nigeria at the All African Games (AAG) scheduled to come up in Algeria in August, 2019, to be at their best in order that they can make their country proud.
This charge was made during an interactive session with the contingents while at the camp to ascertain their general well being before their final departure.
He urged them to be good ambassadors of their country as they fulfill the call of their career.
“This is the career you have chosen. You need to make the best of it.
As you bring glory to your fatherland, you are also bringing benefits to yourself.
“Remember, there is no under dog in sports. Madagascar made debut to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), they defeated us and made it to the quarter finals”. He cautioned.
Adesola stressed on the need to be disciplined as it is an important aspect of sportsmanship.
He had emphasized on three major attributes expected to see in an athlete.
“Athletes are to be disciplined, be hardworking and focused. You need to do those three.
Remember it is not forever, you are working towards a purpose. An undisciplined set of athlete cannot achieve that winning spirit.
“Have it at the back of your mind that whatever is good for others, is good for you. If podium appearance is good for others, it is also good for you,” he said.
While tasking them to remain purposeful and hardworking in their search for success, he had warned against short cut to success through doping.
“You must stay away from doping infractions. Our coaches, you must let them appreciate the virtues of hard work. We want a situation where you compete clean.
“Technologies in doping have advanced and no matter what you take, they will catch you. Believe in your hard work, physical prowess and skills. He stressed.
Still stressing, he said.
“You do not know what is in the arsenal of your opponents. As you are preparing, other 54 African countries are preparing. You are going for competitive sport.
“Out of over 100 million youth in Nigeria, you were selected. Just as the nation needs your performance, you also need the nation. You can’t go and compete without a platform, which is your country.
“Nigeria also needs you because they need winners from their country. Your performance brings goodwill to me and the country,” he emphasized.
While encouraging them to strive hard in placing their country on the limelight, he said.
“I look forward to you returning from AAG and you have a lot of sign ons.
“Winning medals make you introduce yourselves with pride. You are on a career path, this is the career you have chosen. Some of you can still branch to administration and become a perm sec in the future.
“Your life span in the calling is not much, that is why we urge you to make good use of it. That is why we make everything possible for you to excel.
It is on this note I wish you all the best and I am delighted to be with you.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the role he plays in encouraging sports.
“I am delighted to say that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari approved our plan for the game. Of course it was not at the level we expected. That is, there are competing needs for the resources of the nation but the grand patron of sports had graciously heeded to our request for fund. So, we are well prepared.
Nigeria’s contingent to the Games he explained would depart for Algeria in two batches with the first departing the shores of the country on August 16, while others follow on August 21, 2019
Speaking, Princess Kara a Discuss athlete, on behalf of the athletes had expressed appreciation to the Perm Sec. She had assured him of a good outing over there.
“We promise to go there and come back with the gold, and gold and only gold. Silver is not an option,” she assured.
Adding his voice, Moses Gana on behalf of his Indoor volleyball team mates appreciated both the Perm Sec and the NVBF President assuring them of a success story.
“We want to appreciate you for your concerns. We also want you to know that the President of NVBF has contributed a lot and we will go all out to win. Kaduna is conducive for us and we would make Nigeria proud,”.
At the interactive session with the Perm Sec were, the President NVBF, Engineer Musa Nimrod, Zonal Coordinator North West, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development/Camp Coordinator, Mr. Olusola Luke and Senior Staff of the Zone, Malam Abdullahi Idris.
