Minister of Youth and sports Development Chief Sunday Dare has assured Nigerian athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics of maximum support that will spur them to podium success.

Speaking during the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Evaluation programme held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the Minister said “The idea of organizing this competition is  to create  opportunity  for our  athletes to improve  their ratings and prepare adequately for  qualifications for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“This event is a testimony of renewed hope for track and fields  as outlined by AFN . I urge  not to relent  by  ensuring that every  activities are  linked to  development and  promotion of Athletics  to restore our  lost glory”.

 He further added “I seize this opportunity to task the Athletics Federation of Nigeria   to ensure that the aims  and objectives of the Federation  are achieved by  moving our  sports  to greater  heights. The Ministry   will continue  to play its supervisory  role.

“All the  Federations  will be given adequate assistance to prepare  our athletes  for the  2020 Tokyo Olympics. To the  athletes, I assure  you that the  Ministry would not  relent  in  helping  you achieve the desired goal.  Your welfare is  paramount , so you will be  provided with all necessary tools to excel.”