APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The President of the Republic of Maldives, Ibrahim Solih, has commended Nigeria’s Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, for his contributions to sports development since he assumed duty.
Speaking at the Maldives 2023 Sports Awards, where the Nigerian Sports Minister received a ‘Special Recognition Award’ for his contribution to sports development in Nigeria and Africa, Solih said that Dare’s giant strides in sports were a big plus to Nigeria and Africa.
“I congratulate the Sports Minister of Nigeria and I want people to know that we followed his progress over a period of time before deciding to honour him with this Award.
“We believe his positive steps will continue to boost sports in Nigeria in the years to come,” the statement issued by Toyin Ibitoye, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, said.
It added that the Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Republic of Maldives, Ahmed Mahloof, also said that the award was a reward for Mr. Dare’s hard work within a short time in office.
According to the statement, some global sports personalities were also conferred with Sports Icons Awards at the ceremony held on Saturday.
Nigerian football legend, Nwankwo Kanu, was top on the list of the icons recognised at the event.
Others were Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro and England’s ex-international goalkeeper, David James.
Responding, Mr. Dare thanked the organisers of the event, saying that the recognition is a challenge to him to do more in any capacity he might find himself.
“It is important to also state that Nigerian youths should always put in efforts to make an impact in every area they find themselves because you don’t know who is watching.
“This is a good one for Nigeria, especially with Kanu also recognised in the sports icon category,” he added.
A total of 108 people received awards in 18 categories, including national athletes of Maldives.
GIK/APA
Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Ex- Int’l Footballer Kanu bag international awards
