AS part of activities organised by the Federal Government to celebrate Nigeria’s Diamond jubilee, 60 Nigerian sports icons are set to be honoured.
The list is made up of personalities that have made meaningful impact on sports development in the last 60 years.
Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare said the event was initiated to reward excellence and hard work while receiving the Report of the Committee set up to collate the votes by Nigerians for the 60 awardees
He said: “We initiated this award because of the need to reward our heroes and heroines who have sweated to put the name of Nigeria on the world map. Unfortunately most of these patriots have died, but we are also consoled that many of them are still alive.”
He further said the initiative would be a stimulus for younger generation to give their best to the country even as he appealed to other deserving lots that are not so recognized this term.
The event which will hold at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Friday is expected to be graced by President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as well as some of the awardees and members of their families.