Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has joined the Nigerian community in Queensland Australia to wish Team Nigeria a good outing in the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
At a reception held for the Nigerian contingent, Gowon, who is also the Head of the Nigerian delegation to Australia, said it is a privilege to meet a large gathering of Nigerians from all over Australia in Queensland.
He told them: “I am delighted to see you all and I hope you’ll remain good Nigerians and make Nigeria proud.
“I bring you special greetings from Mr. President.
“I hope that this will be a very successful outing for Nigerian athletes at the Commonwealth Games.
“Avoid anything that will destroy the unity and faith of this great country.”
In his welcome address, the High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, Ambassador Bello Kazaure Husseini, promised the unreserved support of the Embassy to Team Nigeria during the games.
Husseini welcomed the contingent to the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast and urged all Nigerians living in Australia to turn out enmasse and support the team.
In his overview of Nigeria’s participation at the Games, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, thanked the Nigerian community for organizing a reception to interact with them, especially the younger ones who will have a rare opportunity to meet a past leader of the country.
Dalung emphasized the need to use sports as a tool for national unity, integration, youth and social development.
He said: “The significance of sports in forging national consensus, creating employment and addressing the health of a nation cannot be over emphasized.
“Therefore our young people everywhere must begin to move towards sports, show interest in sports and participate in sports.”
Gowon later had a handshake with members of the Nigerian community in Queensland and presented them with commemorative pins from Team Nigeria.
Also in attendance was the wife of the former Head of State, Victoria Gowon; the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel; former NOC President, Engr. Sani Ndanusa; National Sports Federations’ Presidents; former Lagos State Senator, Olurunnimbe Mamora; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Adesola Olusade; and top staff of the Ministry.
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