2020 Tokyo Olympics: Sprinter Adegoke gets $10,000 boost from Edo govt
Tokyo Olympics bound sprinter, Enoch Adekoge, on Monday, received a cash donation of $10,000 (about N5 million) from the Edo Government, to boost his preparations for the games. Adekoge is Edo State’s sports ambassador.
In a webinar meeting, Gov. Godwin Obaseki said that the cash gift to the sprinter was to ensure there were no distractions in his preparation and quest for a podium finish at the games.
Represented by his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, the governor assured the sprinter of the state government’s continued support in his future outings.
“You can see how proud we are to identify with you. The funds we have approved for you is to ensure that your preparation does not suffer any distractions so that you can win a medal at the games.
“I can recall how hard you trained to qualify for the Games. You were dedicated to your craft and the whole Edo erupted in jubilation when you made the time that qualified you for the Olympics. You are indeed a worthy ambassador.
“We wish you well at the Games, which we believe will be a springboard for you. We want you to be level-headed, follow the rules and be clean of drug use.
“As a state government, we will continue to encourage you to give your best at all times. We are convinced that you will come home with a medal and you will get the needed luck on race days.
“Don’t be under pressure and be yourself and we are sure that with training and support, you will come back home with a medal,” Obaseki added.
In his response, Adegoke commended the Edo government for the gesture, saying that he was happy and optimistic that good things would come from the support. “I am happy to be part of this arrangement, it shows that the Edo State government means well for me.
“The road to qualifications wasn’t easy. I thank the state government for the support and I promise to make the state and Nigeria proud.
“This will be the beginning of good things to come as Mr Yusuf Alli has lined up several races for me in the near future,” he stated.
Alli commended the Edo for the gesture, while calling on other states to emulate the state’s kind gesture.
On his part, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ibrahim Gusau promised Adegoke a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) if he won a medal.
