The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has awarded Africa’s Highest Order of Sports Administrators to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, in recognition of his contribution to developing sports in Nigeria and on the African continent.
ANOCA’s decoration of Mr. Dare with the medal for the award at his office in Abuja on Tuesday came a week after the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, under his leadership, dissolved the boards of sporting federations to pave way for rancour-free elections into their boards.
ANOCA’s President, Mr Mustapha Berraf, who decorated the Minister said the association has been keenly following his activities.
According to Mr. Berraf, “ANOCA appreciates the Honourable Minister for what he is doing in Nigeria and Africa. We are happy with him for what he us doing for Olympics in Nigeria. The Minister is an example to follow in Africa.
“This relationship between ANOCA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Nigeria showcases the kind of relationship envisaged by Olympic,” the ANOCA President stressed.
He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the support that is being extended to sports through the Ministry while assuring that ANOCA will continue to lead Africa’s sports development as it has always done.
Mr. Dare, who thanked ANOCA for the recognition and the confidence reposed in him assured that Nigeria and Africa will continue to strive for excellence. He said, “We look forward to a Nigerian performance that would be unrivaled in Tokyo.
“My wish is that as Nigeria excels in Tokyo, Algeria will also excel so that we can both celebrate our wins,” the Minister enthused.