By Amaechi Agbo

Yje minister for youth and sports development, Sunday Akin Dare has described late Chief of Staff (COS) to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari as a very passionate, patriotic and committed personality whose loyalty to the President was unparalleled, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

Mr Dare in his message Friday said Kyari’s death was not only a huge loss to Nigeria but also to his associates.

“The death of Mallam Abba Kyari is not only a huge loss to Nigeria, his family, Mr. President and this administration, but to those of us that were close to him.

“He was hardworking, trustworthy and passionate about the unity, development and progress of Nigeria. He was a great unifier, manager of men and resources. He was a stabilizing factor of this government.

“Sometimes misunderstood, but he was not just a very great administrator, he was deeply compassionate. His death is a huge loss and he would be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace,” Dare concluded.

the late COS was buried in Abuja on Saturday

In another development, Nigerian athletes will soon heave a sigh of relief as the sports ministry has concluded plans to establish an athletes’ relief fund.

 The fund which would be funded by the proceeds from the  National Lottery Trust Fund, partner agencies, Corporate bodies and individuals, will take care of the welfare of athletes , their training, preparation and participation in major international competitions.

Dare has commenced talks with agencies and other partners to provide seed money for the initial take-off of the initiative.

Meanwhile, a prominent sports Philanthropist Honourable Kunle Soname has released the sum of 10 million Naira for the take-off of the athlete’s relief funds. The money is to support Nigerian athletes whose source of earnings has ceased as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic which has resulted in the suspension of all major sporting events.

The modalities for the disbursement of the funds to the athletes is expected to be worked out with guidelines to be provided by the Minister.