The Federal Government on Monday fulfilled the promise of houses and national honours made to the Nigerian Women’s senior basketball team, D’Tigress, by presenting the documents to both players and officials.
The presentation was done by the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lyon, France.
The promise was made by President Tinubu after the team led by coach Rena Wakama won the 2025 Afrobasket in August in Cote d’Ivoire.
This Renewed Hope gesture is a clear departure from the experiences of the past, where government promises take years and decades before they are frustratingly fulfilled.
The NSC Chairman described the gesture as a prompt fulfilment of promises made by a president who truly cares with both his words and actions, stressing that Nigerian sports wouldn’t have prayed for a better leader than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a time and season like this in the country’s sporting history.
“I want to first of all thank Mr. President for making sports work again in Nigeria and giving every Nigerian athlete a renewed confidence that sports can truly change their lives and put food on their table, because it’s not just a leisure but a serious business.
“Mr. President is happy to give you girls these honours and houses because you have consistently placed Nigeria on the global map with your performance, your patriotic spirit and your never-give-up mentality,” he said.
The Chairman also assured the girls that the money promised to them by the President is almost in the final stage for disbursement, and that too will soon drop into their respective bank accounts.
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Olopade added that Mr. President is truly redefining what sports should be in line with what is obtainable in developed countries, where sports are thriving.
“Mr. President is a rewarder, and his reward system is already yielding tremendous results in sports, and fulfilling his promise to you girls on time is another testament to the priority he places on Nigerian sports.
“Like what I often say, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, be assured that when you do well for the country, just know a grateful and thankful nation is waiting for you,” he added.
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr. Musa Kida also thanked Mr. President for laying down a legacy of a lifetime for Nigerian sports with the way he prioritizes the welfare of Nigerian athletes.
The Coach of the team, Rena Wakama, said they are eternally grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the show of love and support and assured the country that there is more to come from her team.
Captain of the team, Amy Okonkwo, also expressed gratitude to Mr. President on behalf of the entire team while also assuring that their commitment to the country will continue to soar higher.
The Nation
