The Federal Government has fulfilled its promises to the African champions, D’Tigress, who are currently in high spirits in Lyon, the venue of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The Independent Mirror reports that the gesture follows the commitments made to the team by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, after their triumph at the Afrobasket in August last year in Côte d’Ivoire.
The players and their officials were presented with certificates of national honours and title documents for houses allocated to them in Abuja.
The presentation was made by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, alongside other top government officials.
The Renewed Hope gesture marks a clear departure from past experiences where government promises to athletes often took years or even decades to be fulfilled.
The NSC Chairman described the development as a prompt fulfilment of promises made by a President who truly cares both in words and actions.
He added that Nigerian sports could not have hoped for a better leader at this point in the country’s sporting history.
“I want to first of all thank Mr President for making sports work again in Nigeria and giving every Nigerian athlete renewed confidence that sports can truly change their lives and put food on their tables, because it is not just leisure but a serious business,” he said.
“Mr President is happy to give you girls these honours and houses because you have consistently placed Nigeria on the global map with your performance, your patriotic spirit and your never-give-up mentality.”
The Chairman also assured the players that the monetary rewards promised by the President are in the final stage of processing and will soon be disbursed into their respective bank accounts.
The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, added that the President is redefining the role of sports in line with global best practices where the sector thrives as a major industry.
“Mr President is a rewarder, and his reward system is already yielding tremendous results in sports. Fulfilling his promise to you girls on time is another testament to the priority he places on Nigerian sports,” he said.
“Like I often say, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, when you do well for the country, be assured that a grateful and appreciative nation is waiting to reward you.”
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Musa Kida, also thanked the President for laying down a lasting legacy in Nigerian sports through his commitment to the welfare of athletes.
Head coach of the team, Rena Wakama, expressed appreciation to the President for the support shown to the players and assured Nigerians that the team will continue to strive for greater achievements.
Team captain Amy Okonkwo also conveyed the gratitude of the entire squad to the President, pledging that their commitment to representing Nigeria with pride will continue to grow stronger.
