The House of Representatives has pledged to donate N100 million to support Team Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The announcement was made by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during a plenary session on Wednesday.
The decision was conveyed to the Minister of Sports, John Enoh, and members of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics team, who were present in the chamber. The team also unveiled the new Olympic sports kits.
Kalu stated that the donation will be drawn from the salaries of lawmakers and urged Nigerians and the private sector to support the team. Additionally, Balele Aminu, a member representing the Dutsin-ma/Kurfi federal constituency of Katsina, presented a N3 million cheque to the team.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas emphasized the importance of proper funding and support for sports, stating that it cannot be done on the eve of a competition.
“Let us seize this moment to reclaim our place at the top and bring home the gold that our country so eagerly anticipates.
“Proper funding and support must begin years in advance to ensure our athletes are adequately prepared,” he said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to reinvigorate the sports sector and assured full support from the National Assembly.
The donation is seen as an expression of the House’s unwavering support for Team Nigeria, with the aim of reclaiming the country’s place at the top and bringing home gold medals. The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
