Olympics: Reps Doles Out N103m To Team Nigeria contingents

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday pledged the sum of N103 million in support of the Nigerian contingents to 2024 Olympic games holding in Paris, France.

Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas announced a pledge of N100 million on behalf of the House, an amount he explained would be coming from the salaries of members, while Chairman of the Committee on Army, Aminu Balele donated the sum of three million naira in his individual capacity.

A delegation of the athletes, led by the Minister of Sports, Sen. John Enoh were in the House in honour of the parliament’s invitation for the motivational support.

Abbas in an address presented on his behalf by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, lamented that gold medals have eluded Nigerian contingents over the years, charging the athletes to do better at the Paris Olympics.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Sports, Enoh commiserated with the House on the loss of its Committee Chairman on Sports, Ekene Abubakar Adams on Wednesday, stressing that late Lawmaker was behind the initiative of bringing the contingents before the House, a development described as novel in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria. 

The Sport Minister also assured the Nation that all funds generated through the engagement will be going straight to catering for the welfare of the Olympians.

“Never in history has the Sports sector been honoured like this. It has never gotten this kind of recognition, I think this is happening for a purpose, but let this not be a one-off.

“No sector gives Nigeria international recognition like sports”. Enoh said, informing the House that Nigeria is going to the games with 90 Athletes competing in 12 games, and 30 athletes for four games in the paralympic games.

Also on his part, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, who was represented at the session appreciated the House for “understanding the challenges of the athletes”, assuring that they will do their best to make the country proud.