Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, felicitated world-class sprinter and new world record holder, Tobi Amusan, saying: “This is another superlative record coming from an Ogun State indigene. She has reconfirmed Ogun State’s standard of excellence now in sports and we are very proud of her”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, in Abeokuta, Gov. Abiodun said Amusan’s feat at the 2022 World Athletics Championship, held in Eugene, Oregon, USA “is heart-warming and a thing of pride to not only to the black race but the nation and Ogun State in particular”.
Abiodun, who recalled how his administration, during the COVID-19 pandemic announced the adoption of the talented Ijebu-Ode-born athlete as proposed by the Minister of Youths and Sport, Sunday Dare, when he visited Ogun. “We supported her. We are a state of many firsts. Here is another testimony to that fact. I am very proud of that feat in Oregon. She’s one of our major exports in sports and we are happy to be associated with her”.
The statement reads on: “That was the second time Amusan would break the record on the night, improving on her 12.12s in the semi-final. It was previously set by America’s Kendra Harrison’s at 12.20s.
“On a night of many firsts, Amusan became the first Nigerian athlete to ever set a World Record in any event. It will also be the first time the Nigerian anthem would be played over the public address system during a medal presentation as the winner of an event.
“Amusan’s victory, will for her, be some sort of compensation for a disappointing outing in Tokyo last year where she finished fourth in the final despite being touted to take one of the medals.
“As she walks away with a $100,000 prize money, on behalf of the government and people of Ogun State, I congratulate one of our finest in the world of sport. I want to urge her to now turn her attention to the Commonwealth Games beginning on Thursday, July 28 where she’s also the defending champion.
“As a government, we will continue to put infrastructure in place to encourage our budding talents in sports, while incentives will put in place to woo and encourage our stars”.
