By SundiataPOST, Abuja
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and the Golden Eaglets on Nigeria’s triumph at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The team defeated their Mexican opponents 3-0 to win the trophy, a record fourth time in the history of the completion.
A statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, describes the Eaglets’ display as “phenomenal, entertaining, inspiring and delightful to watch”.
It stressed that the victory was a pointer to the fact that with unity of purpose, the country could rule the world in every facet of life.
“The unity of purpose displayed by the boys demonstrated that all hands must be on deck in the task of enthroning the people-oriented democracy in the country, through a culture of openness and equity.
“The boys reminded governments at all levels that there is the need to invest hugely in the future of the country by making the environment conducive for the youth to thrive,” the statement said.
It said the state was proud to have one of its own, Taiwo Awoniyi, as a member of that team.
On his part, Atiku called on all Nigerians to emulate the act of dedication and patriotism shown by the victorious Golden Eaglets.
In a message of felicitation to Jonathan and the Nigerian people, released by his media office in Abuja, the former vice president said, “Mr. President, I and my family heartily congratulate you and our compatriots on the great victory our Golden Eaglets achieved at the Under-17 World Youth Championship. The zeal with which the team played, the unity of purpose and brotherhood they displayed in the field of soccer shows that we are stronger when we stand together.”
He enjoined governments at all levels and the organized private sector to take more than a passing interest in sports and make strategic investments in the promotion of sporting activities and the development of our vibrant youth population.
He declared: “there is so much more we can achieve if government at all levels in our country can take sports development more seriously and invest in programmes and projects that have the capacity to create jobs for the youth, facilitate their development and take their minds away from crime and criminality.
“Once more, I congratulate the Eaglets for making our nation proud and wish them safe-flight back to the warm embrace and reception of their compatriots.”
