The President, Jonathan Goodluck, yesterday hosted World Athletic medal winner, Blessing Okagbare, at the Presidential Villa in honour of her performance at the recently concluded 2013 World Athletic Championship in Moscow.
Also present at the ceremony was the governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan.
After shattering the 100m Women African Record at the IAAF Diamond meet in London, Okagbare proceeded to Moscow where she won the silver medal in the Women’s long jump event and bronze in the Women’s 200m race.
During the brief ceremony President Jonathan enjoined Nigerian youths, especially young ladies to emulate Okabgare.
While charging the ministry of sports to ensure that Nigeria wins more medals in future sporting events, the President added that Blessing and her coach would soon be considered for national honours. He also made a promise that his administration would no longer treat issues related to sports and sportsmen with levity.
The President then announced cash gifts of N3 million for Okagbare and N3.5 million for her coach.
While speaking at the occasion, Bolaji Abdullahi, the Minister of Sports commended Delta State for the discovery of Okagbare and also acknowledged the support of President Jonathan to sports development in Nigeria.
The Delta State governor, Uduaghan, during a chat with the press, said the personal recognition of the athlete’s efforts by the President will spur her for greater achievements.
On her part, Okagbare said there is no magic to sports and that with continuous support, she will continue to win laurels for the country.
