The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, felicitated with the world-class sprinter and new world record holder, Tobi Amusan, with a message of assurance and love that the entire Ogun State and indeed Nigerians are proud of her.
“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”, the Governor declared.
The Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said in a statement in Abeokuta, that Gov. Abiodun described Amusan’s feat at the 2022 World Athletics Championship, as “heart-warming”.
Abiodun who described the event held in Eugene, Oregon, USA, also added that it was a thing of pride not only to Ogun State, and Nigeria but also to the black race.
The statement said Abiodun recalled with nostalgia, how his administration, during the COVID-19 pandemic announced the adoption of the talented Ijebu-Ode-born athlete.
According to him, the Minister of Youths and Sport, Sunday Dare, brought the idea when he visited Ogun, adding that the project has paid off and has germinated a good testimony fruits.
“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.
“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 in recent years.
“It would be recalled that Ogun has produced talented athletes like Modupe Oshikoya, Falilat Ogunkoya, Samson Oyeledun among others who had made the Nation proud until the recent glut on the global stage.
“Oluwatobiloba Ayomide Amusan, 25, hailed from Ijebu Ode and attended Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School in the ancient town before proceeding to the University of Texas in quest for knowledge and laurels in her chosen profession
“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,” the Governor said
