By Amaechi Agbo

A former Olympic gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa has advised the minister of youth and sports development, Sunday Dare to remain focused in his quest to turn around Nigeria’s fortune in Sports.

The Atlanta 1996 Olympic long jump gold medal winner in her New Year Message described the minister as the messiah for Nigeria sports development and called on him not to be distracted.

In a release in Lagos signed by her media aide, Amaechi Agbo, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, Force Headquarters, noted that since the appointment and subsequent resumption in office by the Sports Minister on August 21, 2019, he has shown both in words and actions, his determination to develop Nigeria sports.

Mrs Ajunwa-Opara also advised the minister to eschew politics and disregard sycophancy as he prepares to take Nigeria sports to greater podiums.

The former Super Falcons player noted that the year 2020 is a busy calendar for the country in all sports with Tokyo 2020 signposting the year’s activities.

“Nigeria is blessed at this point in time to have a Minister like him right now. He is our saviour as far as sports is concerned.

“Since he assumed office in August, he has shown both in words and doings that he is the new deal in Nigeria sports. With him, the good old days in our sports are back.

“But the minister has to be very careful. He should not be involved in politics in the federations. He should remain focused.

“This year is a busy year for the country with regional, continental and international sporting events to prepare for. Foremost among them is the Tokyo 2020 which starts in July.

“Nigeria has not fared well in the Olympics recently and with his zeal, I can confidently say that he is on the right track.

“The minister is young, vibrant, intelligent and forthright, therefore I am optimistic that he will return us to the good old days in our sports.

“Our best in sports is in the past. However sad this reality might be, with Mr Sunday Akin Dare in the saddle as the number one sports man in the country, the future of our sports is assured.

“It is on this note in this New Year message that I urge him not to be distracted and he should not involve himself in federations’ politics,” she said.

Mrs Ajunwa-Opara called for greater support from all stakeholders in the sporting sector to join hands with the minister to actualise his lofty aspirations for Nigerian youths in particular and sports generally.