The Minister for Sports and Youth Development on Thursday defied the popular scriptural dictum which asserts that a prophet is without honour in his home place.
Contrary to this widespread belief, Chief Dare was honoured in his home state of Oyo with an Award of Excellence by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter.
Presenting the award to the Minister at semifinals of the Oyo SWAN Five-A-Side Football Tournament held at Lummy Turf, Idi Odo Challenge, Ibadan, the Chairman of the body of sports writers in the state, Comrade Niyi Alebiosu explained that the award was given to the Minister, who hails from Ogbomoso, to appreciate his valuable contributions to the development of sports in the country.
“In all honesty, Chief Dare deserves this award. He is a detribalized man who genuinely pursues even and equitable developments of sports in all parts of the country. I know this because I have worked with the Honourable Minister at close quarters several times in the past”, Alebiosu noted.
While lauding the initiatives of the Minister in ensuring the renovations of key federal government owned stadia, starting with the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Oyo SWAN Chairman implored Chief Dare to also renovate Nigeria’s first modern stadium, the Obafemi Awolowo stadium in Ibadan.
“On behalf of the sports loving people of Oyo State, I want to appeal to you sir, to renovate and if possible upgrade the Obafemi Awolowo stadium here in Ibadan. This stadium is historic and too important to be left to rot. This stadium had hosted major historical landmark sports events. In actual fact, the history of sports in Nigeria won’t be complete without reference to the roles played by the stadium, formerly called Liberty Stadium”, the widely traveled and highly experienced sports journalist said.
In his response to the unprecedented honour, the Minister who is the first ‘home boy’ Minister to receive such honour from Oyo SWAN, appreciated the honour conferred on him by the Alebiosu led SWAN in Oyo State.
‘I want to sieze this moment to appreciate all your efforts in the media. I want to urge you to disseminate information to the public objectively. And I want to commend your leadership that has been keeping in touch with me to make me part of this event. You have really done well. Oyo SWAN is not just a body but an organization with integrity”, Chief Dare remarked.
The Minister pledged to support the Association of sports writers in the state in any capacity.
Be the first to comment