The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has joined His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in congratulating the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare who celebrated his 55th birthday on Saturday May 29, 2021.
In a congratulatory message addressed to the Nigerian Youth and Sports Development Minister and signed by its president, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, the CAA says Mr Dare embodies ‘the kind of leadership Africa is yearning for and I look forward to working with you in moulding a better future for Africa in general and Nigeria in particular.’
The CAA president wished the Sports Minister many more years in health, prosperity and happiness and says he shares in President Buhari’s commendation of Mr Dare.
”I follow in the lead of His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in expressing the same sentiment that you bring “positive energy” in leading Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, especially through your dedication for Nigeria to host the “22nd Edition of the African Athletics Championships” that will provide African Athletes with a platform to qualify for the Olympic Games.”
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Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says the Sports Minister has been the best thing that has happened to track and field in recent years.
In a congratulatory message signed by its Secretary General, Prince Adisa Beyioku on behalf of the executive board of the federation, Mr Dare was hailed for his reforms in sports, particularly track and field where a new order of honesty and transparency is being enthroned.
“You (Mr Dare) has been a Godsent to our federation especially in this era of the Covid-19 pandemic which has disrupted the economy of the world, the nation and that of the AFN. Through your innovative adopt-a-talent project, the perrenial problem of funding our elite athletes preparations for major international competitions, especially the Olympics is becoming a thing of the past,” wrote Beyioku in the congratulatory message.
“The results of this noble project is beginning to show as we are seeing our adopted elite athletes post encouraging and inspiring performances worldwide. Just yesterday, long jumper Ese Brume set a new African record in her event by jumping 7.17m to break Chioma Ajunwa’s 7.12m record set 25 years ago in Atlanta at the Olympics.
“We also have sprinter Grace Nzube Nwokocha who ran 11.09 seconds in the 100m to become the first home-based athlete in about two decades to run that fast on Nigerian soil,” said Beyioku who revealed the AFN is encouraged by the Sport Minister’s exemplary and quality leadership and is determined to chart a new, progressive path for the development of the sport.
