GO, CONQUER AFRICA, ANYIM CHARGES ATHLETES

By NBF News

The Secretary to the Federal Government, (SGF), Senator Pius Anyim, has given a tall order to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), charging them to produce athletes who will not only break Usain Bolt's record but also conquer Africa in the forthcoming All Africa Games scheduled for Mozambique in September.

Speaking through a Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Jimeta Riba, who delivered his speech during the reception in honour of NSCDC Sportsmen and women in Abuja yesterday, Anyim said that he was particularly impressed with the number of medals the paramilitary outfit hauled within four years, charging them to gear up for more successes.

Challenging them on the forthcoming All Africa Games, the SGF said: 'I wish to congratulate the all-conquering and medal-winning sportsmen and women in this gathering for your unique feat and wonderful contributions to the unity and oneness of this great nation. I look forward to your conquering Africa at the upcoming All Africa Games which begins in September in Mozambique.'

'I'm, therefore, delighted to be a part of this event which sole aim is to celebrate and honour NSCDC sportsmen and women who have written Nigeria's name in gold and have by so doing brought honour, recognition, respect and glory to this great nation.

'It is my belief that this event will motivate you to more successes in future competitions. I look forward to the day Nigeria will produce the Carl Lewis and Usain Bolts of this world who break world records at will.

'Let me use this opportunity to reiterate government's unflinching support and commitments to sports development, while creating the enabling environment for sports to thrive. You will agree with me that this country is blessed with great talents that are waiting to be tapped.

'I, therefore, call on Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora to invest in sports development especially in the area of developing our sporting facilities and building sports academies in order to develop young talents,' Anyim said.

Speaking further, the SGF noted: 'Let me specially commend the organisers, NSCDC, for the numerous contributions to the development and assure you that government would encourage initiative that will assist the corps to develop its sporting facilities, in order to enhance its capacity to churn out great men and women who will further project the image of the country to the outside world.'