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By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria’s first and only Olympic gold medallist, Chioma Ajunwa-Opara has eulogised the minister of youth and sports development, Federal Republican of Nigeria, Sunday Akin Dare as he marks his 54th Birthday Friday.

Ajunwa-Opara who won gold in 1996 Atlanta Olympic Long Jump in USA said Friday that the emergence of Sunday Dare as the number one sports person in the country has brought in a breath of fresh air in the nation’s sporting sector.

She praised the Oyo State born administrator for his doggedness and astute charisma to walk where his predecessors feared to tread on.

Ajunwa-Opara who is an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP called on Nigerians to rally round the Sports minister to achieve greater heights in the coming years.

While joining family members, staff and other well-meaning Nigerians to wish the minister happy 54 cheers, Ajunwa-Opara prayed God to continue to bless him with mich wisdom and good health to continue to pilot the affairs of Nigeria sports to greater podium.

“We are happy today that our dear minister, Sunday Dare is marking his 54th birthday. Personally, I am delighted because we have not had it this good in the history of sports in the country try. Right now we have a man who understand the 21st century needs of sportsmen and women.

“The Honourable Minister has for the past 9 months laid solid foundation for takeoff and subsequent growth in sports in Nigeria.

“He has brought is over two decades wealth of knowledge in journalism to bare in the sports industry. He has shown in the past few months his inclination and vision for sports in the country.

“I commend his gigantic strides both as an individual and as an administrator. So he is worthy of celebration and that is why I join all well meaning Nigerians and the sports family to celebrate him. And I also plead with Nigerians especially the sports family to join hands with the minister to implement the laudable programmes and policies her has for Nigeria sports

“He has reinvigorated private-public partnership model in fasttracking sports development to the forefront. He has remembered and reached out to retired athletes and created trust fund to cater for the needs of the active ones.

“He has incorporated ex internationals into his administration and brought professionalism to the industry.

“I join his family members, friends, staff and associates to celebrate an achiever, a visionary leader and a pacesetter.

“I pray to God Almighty to give him more wisdom, good health and insights as he pilots the affairs of Nigeria sports to greater heights and podium finishes,” Ajunwa said.