11th September, 2013
President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday honoured Olympic and world Athletics Championship medalist, Blessing Okagbare for her performance at the recently concluded 2013 World Athletic Championship in Moscow.
Okagbare won the silver medal in the long jump and also placed third in the Women’s 200m race in the Athletics Championship. She is also the African record holder in 100m race.
While commending the athlete’s performance during a brief ceremony held at the Council Chamber of Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Wednesday, President Jonathan asked Nigerian youths, especially females to emulate Okagbare.
The President who added that the athlete and her coach would be considered for national honours also charged the ministry of sports to ensure that Nigeria win more medals in future sporting events.
President Jonathan also promised that his administration will no longer treat issues related to sports and sportsmen with levity.
The President announced cash gift of N3 million for Okagbare who was accompanied to the occasion by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, her home state.
The President also announced cash gift of N3.5m 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.
While speaking to journalists after the event, Uduaghan 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.