For their outstanding contribution to the development of sports in the country, a number of Nigerians including the Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, have been honoured with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Merit Award.
Beside the governor, others who received the merit award at a colourful ceremony in Asaba last Saturday night included Olympic boxing medalist, Sir Isaac Uwadiale Ikhuoria, and athletics queens, Chief Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo and Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor.
President of the NOC, Mr Habu Gumel, personally presented the award to Governor Okowa at the ceremony, which also had Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Sir Awotire Eleyae as well as late Alhaji Babayo Shehu and several others on the award list.
In his acceptance remarks, Okowa urged government at all levels in the country to be committed to the development of sports.
While thanking God for using him as an instrument for the development of sports in Delta State and Nigeria in general, he promised to do more towards the improvement in the nation's sports vis-a-vis the development of youths.
Okowa said, "I must truly thank the President of NOC for the award given to me. It will spur me to talk about sports and encourage the development of sports generally.
"We should get more committed to our athletes and sports development and I believe that government can pull the private sector to support the development of sports because, with the support of government and the private sector, our sports men and women can certainly do more.
"I thank the organizers of this award; it is very instructive and very heartwarming to get the award done because there is no one who does not like to be appreciated for his good deeds. I believe with this awards we have encouraged our sports men and women, or encouraged their children to continue with strides. We should have a space to continue to appreciate those who have won laurels for us both locally and internationally."
Moreover, the governor took the opportunity to express his appreciation to all who played different roles towards the success of the 21st Senior African Athletics Championship in Asaba, which reached its climax on Sunday.
''This championship has greatly touched the economy of this city and our state; but beyond that, sports is a unifying factor and many of our young ones will be encouraged to go into sports and use sports to better their lives. There is nothing you spend or invest in sports that is a waste."
Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Mr Solomon Dalung, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Adesola Olusade, said that governor Okowa has distinguished himself as a patriotic Nigerian by making it possible for Asaba to host the Senior Athletics Championships.
He commended the NOC for recognising individuals and talents that have contributed to the development of sports in the country.
Nonetheless, the NOC president, Gumel, commended the award selection committee for the list worthy recipients, thus recognising men and women who have won laurels for the country and congratulated Governor Okowa for the successful hosting of the Asaba.
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