Wednesday, 12 September 2012

Jonathan Orders Ministers to Attend Reception for Para-lympians, Falconets

 

The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, announced this while addressing State House Correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Jonathan in Abuja.

Maku said the Falconets, who came fourth at the just concluded FIFA U-20 Women Championship in Japan, would also be hosted at the reception, for their brilliant performances.

He said the president commended the outstanding performances of both teams and directed the ministers to attend the reception to be hosted at the Presidential Villa, as a mark of honour.

``They have wiped away our tears. The message they have sent is that we need a greater passion in what we do.

``Their performance confirms that every citizen is important. The reception will send a clear message that all Nigerian are important," he said.

The minister said that the reception would send a clear message that all athletes were important.

Reports say that at the London Games, the special athletes won a total of 13 medals comprising six gold, five silver and two bronze.

On the overall medals table, Team Nigeria finished 22nd position in the world and placed third in Africa behind Tunisia and South Africa that placed first and second respectively.

It will also be recalled that their able bodied counterparts could not win a single medal at the main Olympic Games in London.

Maku said the special athletes brought smile to the faces of Nigerians, who were worried about the poor outing of the able bodied athletes.

Similarly, the Minister described the performance of the female junior team that came fourth as "ventilating".

He said they showed a lot of talents and defeated very great football nations.

"They have demonstrated that when women are asking for 35 per cent (affirmative action), they mean it.

``It is a clear indication what women can do better where men have failed,’’ he said. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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