Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike (JP), has congratulated stakeholders in the Nigerian sporting circle as the country marks her 65th Independence Anniversary.
This was contained in a press release he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Ilorin on Wednesday.
In the release, Ejidike noted that Nigerian sports are presently witnessing rejuvenation with some positive results from the Super Falcons, D’Tigress, athletics, and other disciplines.
He added that although the Super Eagles face a tough hurdle in qualifying for the next World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, with strong support from the Presidency, as well as assurances from the NFF and the NSC, and with prayers, Nigeria is hopeful of securing a ticket to the Mundial.
Ejidike, who is also the patron of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, called on sports leadership at all levels to rededicate themselves to the development of sports in line with the vision of the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, for the long-term benefit of the nation.
He also admonished athletes to always be patriotic and remember the sacrifices of heroes past as inspiration to keep the country’s flag flying, so that Nigeria can occupy her rightful place in the comity of sporting nations.
The Nnewi-born business mogul expressed gratitude to sportsmen and women who, since independence in 1960, have done Nigeria proud through their immeasurable sacrifices for the fatherland. He made special mention of the Super Falcons and the D’Tigress, who recently conquered Africa for record times, as well as individual athletes such as world record holder in the women’s 100 metres hurdles, Tobiloba Amusan, among others, urging them never to stop being good ambassadors of the country.
The former President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) expressed belief that if the leadership of every sporting federation puts in place robust long-term development plans, it would launch Nigerian sports on a path of sustainable development. Hence, his call for rededication by leadership in the sports sector.
The Anambra-born sports philanthropist therefore called on all Nigerians to support leaders in all sectors as the nation strives to navigate its trying moments.