A Subtle Appeal To President Buhari by Aderonke Bello

Editor’s note: In this piece, Aderonke Bello the Sports Editor at Naij.com made a plea to the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari asking him to do the needful by rewarding all the Athletes that have made Nigeria proud in the year 2015 and also that he should redeem the promises he made to the 1985 world-cup-winning U17 squad. It is a long existed custom in Nigeria for Athletes to be rewarded for their excellent efforts by the Federal Government.

Sir, permit me to wish you a belated happy birthday and I pray that the Almighty God hold you tightly and bless you with good health, wisdom and all you desire to do to move Nigeria to greater heights.

I am writing you as a patriotic Nigerian, Sports Journalist and advocate to do the needful for the citizens of the Nation who have gone through fire and brimstone to bring joys to the faces of millions in the Nation.

Sports in the Year 2015

The outgoing year 2015 is one of the best that Sports have had in recent times, our athletes have done superbly well in different sports and also some fine administration and management were put in place in the nation. The Presidency has kept mute and riddled with mixed reports of promises and cut away pay of entitlements for Athletes.

Nigeria broke and created records, set new trends in the global world of sports.It is good to quickly note that our own track queen, Blessing okagbare was honoured by the Guinness books of records for her fantastic run in the Diamond League as the only sprinter with the highest appearances.

Scrabble in 2015

A world record was created in scrabble by Wellington Jigbere, he won a scrabble tournament and became the first ever Nigerian and African to do so.  He beat 129 competitors to win a championship where he defeated Lewis MacKay with four straight wins at the best-of-seven finals.

Football in 2015

Football also did well this year with the U17 Golden Eaglets winning the FIFA world cup back-to-back, the U23 dream team also won the African youth nations cup in Senegal.

Nigerian league club Enyimba international has created a new record in the Nigerian premier league by winning the title for seven times.

Basketball in 2015

The Senior National basketball federation aka DTigers won the 2015 edition of the Afrobasket tournament for the first time ever making Nigeria proud,  players were honoured at the end of the tournament, it is good to let you know that a Nigerian won the MVP of the tournament.

Athletics and other sports

A Nigerian athlete broke a world record in weightlifting at the Para-sports category, she also created a new one at the all African games which took place in Congo Brazzaville.Wrestling won five gold medals while Athletics won three gold medals at the All African Games.

Why honour them?

Sir, you are owing these great men and women an honour and decorations, and it is imperative for you to give them their entitlement as bonafide Nigerians who have served diligently.  If you honour these ones, it will make them feel loved and of course accepted for their effort. It will also encourage the upcoming athletes at the grassroots level to help the Nation.

It is a custom and norm in our nation for the federal government to appreciate athletes who served in truth and fairness.

In conclusion Sir, permit me to add a fact that you promised to redeem the unfulfilled promises you made to the 1985 world-cup-winning U17 squad.

I hope my request get a speedy and positive response. Thank you!

Aderonke Bello for Naij.com

Aderonke Bello is an associate editor and the head of the Sports desk at Naij.com.

This article expresses the author’s opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Naij.com or its editors.

The post A Subtle Appeal To President Buhari by Aderonke Bello appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.