FOR his outstanding roles in the development of sports in the country, Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has bagged Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Merit Award.
In a colourful award ceremony held in Asaba Saturdaynight, President of NOC, Engr Habu Gumel personally presented the award to the governor at the ceremony which also, saw such notables personalities as Rt. Hon. Sir Adetokumbo Ademola, Sir Awotire Eleyae, late Alhaji Babayo Shehu, Chief Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo, Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor, Sir Isaac Uwadialelkhuoria, among others receiving awards at the ceremony.
Governor Okowa thanked God for using him as an instrument for the development of sports and urged government at all levels to be committed to the development of sports.
According to the governor, “I must truly thank the President of NOC for the award given to me, it will spur me to talk about sports and encourage the development of sports.”
“We should get more committed to our athletes and sports development and I believe that government can drag the private sector to support the development of sports because, with the support of government and the private sector, our sports men and women can do more,” the governor said, adding, “I thank the organizers of this award, it is very instructive and very heartwsrming to get the award done because there is no one who does not like to be appreciated for his good deeds, I believe with this awards, we have encouraged our sports men and women or encouraged their children to continue with strides; we should have a space to continue to appreciate those who have won laurels for us both locally and internationally.”
The governor used the occasion to also appreciate those who have contributed to the success story of the African Atheletics Championship.
