Ibrahim Musa Gusau has eulogized Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of Nigeria, for his unwavering dedication to motivating and encouraging the nation’s living sports heroes.
The president of Nigeria Football Federation further touched on how the president have never forgotten to pay homage to those who have passed on.
George Aluo, NFF executive member, who read Gusau’s statement at the event held in Lagos on Monday at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs.
“Mr. President has taken the bull by the horn to abolish the era when the nation’s sports heroes laboured in vain. Their sweat is now well-rewarded as deserved. I take cues from the honours and gifts handed to the Super Eagles when they finished as runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations last year, and to the Super Falcons who just returned from winning the Women AFCON in Morocco,” Gusau said.
“Our heroes deserve all the recognition, appreciation and celebration that we can give them whether they are alive or dead. That is the culture that we should birth and nurture.”
The event was put together by Allen Onyema, chairman of Air Peace airline and Olusegun Odegbami, former Super Eagles player.
The WAFU zone B president commended Onyema who has continued to show interest in the well-being of former Nigeria sports heroes.
And Odegbami for his relentless advocate of the recognition and proper appreciation of the nation’s sporting icons.
He also paid tributes to former Nigeria captains ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu and Peter Rufai, former internationals Charles Bassey and Moses Effiong, and boxing champion Obisia Nwakpa – who all passed on within the past few months.
“People talk about the neglect of our sporting heroes, but we can see that President Tinubu is changing the narrative. When the Eagles won silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire early last year, Mr. President rewarded the team handsomely. We can all see what he has done for the Super Falcons for winning the WAFCON in Morocco,” Gusau added.
The NFF boss was also full of praise for the trio of Air Peace boss, Allen Onyema, Chief Olusegun Odegbami and the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Eghosa Osaghae for putting together the Night of Tributes for the departed legends.
“I salute all those who have deemed it fit to honour ‘Chairman’ Chukwu and the other legends. These legends did Nigeria proud in their different lifetimes. They were warriors. They defended our colours, inspired our youth and lifted our spirits. We will never forget their amazing contributions to Nigeria football.”
