In a significant development, the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, announced that President Bola Tinubu has fully approved the budget estimate submitted for Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. This announcement was made during the handover and farewell ceremony of the Team Nigeria athletes to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN).
The approval of the entire budget for the Olympics and Paralympics signifies President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of sports in the country and his determination to showcase Nigeria’s talents at international events. While the exact amount approved was not disclosed, the Minister emphasized that this gesture presents a unique opportunity for the athletes to reciprocate by striving for podium finishes in Paris.
The Minister commended the NOC and the Nigeria Paralympic Committee for successfully qualifying athletes in 12 Olympics and four Paralympic sports, respectively, for the Paris 2024 Games. He highlighted the comprehensive efforts undertaken by the Olympic and Paralympic committees, as well as the Ministry of Sports Development, to ensure that the athletes are well-prepared for the upcoming games.
The Chargé d’affaires of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Jean François Hasperie, urged the athletes to embody qualities such as tolerance, resilience, and discipline at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. He emphasized the importance of podium finishes in all the sports in which Nigeria will participate, encouraging Team Nigeria to be exemplary ambassadors of the country while in France.
Habu Gumel, President of NOC, assured the federal government that Team Nigeria is fully prepared to make the country proud at the Games, considering the level of preparation and the funds already committed to the event. He also urged the Federal Government to make annual budgetary provisions for Olympics preparation to avoid a last-minute rush.
The approval of the entire budget for Team Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics reflects a significant milestone in the country’s sports development. It underscores the government’s unwavering support for the athletes and its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for their success on the international stage.
As preparations intensify for the Paris 2024 Games, the athletes, sports administrators, and the entire nation are poised to rally behind Team Nigeria, with the collective aspiration of achieving remarkable success and bringing honor to the country.
The unveiling of the specially designed sportswear for Team Nigeria, tailored for the 2024 Paris Games, further underscores the meticulous preparations and the sense of national pride associated with the upcoming event.
The approval of the budget and the comprehensive preparations signify a new chapter in Nigeria’s sports journey, reflecting the nation’s determination to excel and leave an indelible mark at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
