ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday directed the Ministry of Finance to immediately release funds approved for the country’s participation in the Rio Olympics games holding in Brazil.
Buhari, who spoke during official handing over of the Team Nigeria to him, charged the athletes to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.
He was inaugurated as the Grand Patron of Team Nigeria by the President of Olympic Committee (NOC), Habbu Gumel.
The President also warned that any official who do not have business with the Olympics or Team Nigeria should stay clear of Rio.
He lamented the dwindling revenue of the country but assured that, saying the little resources made available must be judiciously used.
His words, “We are all aware of our nation’s dwindling revenue and the current global economic challenges.
“It is therefore imperative that funds provided for the Games are utilized judiciously.
“In this regard, any official who has no business at the Games should stay at home to cheer the team from here and if they must travel to the Olympics, they should do so at their own expense.
“As the Federal Government formally hands over our athletes and officials for the Rio Olympics to the Nigeria Olympic Committee today, I want to charge all athletes and team officials going to the Olympic Games to be worthy ambassadors of our great country, both on the field of play and outside the sporting arena.
“The eyes of the global community are on you and as such, you should desist from acts that could dent the image of our great country, Nigeria.
“Let me equally assure you that the Federal Government is fully committed to our delegation’s successful participation in the Rio Olympic Games and will ensure that funds budgeted for the Games are released without further delay.”
“Therefore, Go for Gold in Rio! Go Team Nigeria! Go!’’
Minister of Sports and Youth, Solomon Dalung, who handed over Team Nigeria to the President, said 86 athletes will be participating in nine games at the Olympics.
