Sunday Dare, the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, has received praise from the President of the Republic of Maldives Ibrahim Solih for the significant contribution he has made to sports since taking office.
Solih was speaking at the Maldives 2023 Sports Awards when the Nigerian Sports Minister was honoured for his significant contributions to sport in Nigeria and Africa.
The Maldives president was described in a statement released on Sunday by Toyin Ibitoye, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, as adding that Dare’s tremendous athletic achievements were a great benefit to Nigeria and Africa.
“I congratulate the Sports Minister of Nigeria and I want people to know that we followed his progress over a period of time before deciding to honour him with this Award.
“We believe his positive steps will continue to boost sports in Nigeria in the years to come.”
The Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Republic of Maldives, Ahmed Mahloof, also stated that the award was a reward for Dare’s hard work within a short time in office.
Some global sports personalities were also conferred with Sports Icons Awards at the ceremony held on Saturday.
Nigerian football legend, Nwankwo Kanu, was top on the list of the icons recognised at the event.
Others were Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro, and England’s ex-international goalkeeper, David James.
In his response, Dare thanked the organisers of the event, saying the recognition is a challenge to him to do more in any capacity he might find himself.
“It is important to also state that Nigerian youths should always put in efforts to make an impact in every area they find themselves because you don’t know who is watching.
“This is a good one for Nigeria, especially with Kanu also recognised in the sports icon category,” he added.
There were 108 recipients of honours across 18 categories, including Maldives national athletes.
Alhaji Abba Yola, the Chief of Staff to the Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, and Emmanuel Emefienim, the Managing Director and CEO of Premium Trust Bank, both attended the award event.
Also at the event were the Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Dr Simon Ebhojiaye, and the Chief Executive Officer of Afri Kings Housing, Mr Kingsley Awodi.
The occasion was also attended by Mr. Emmanuel Attah, a retired director of general services for the National Youth Service Corps, and a few of the sports minister’s aides.
