News Investigators/ Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, for granting a monthly stipend to the mother of the late Super Eagles striker, Rashidi Yekini.
The Kwara SWAN Secretary, Olayinka Owolewa. who made the commendation in a statement on Thursday in Ilorin, described the gesture as comforting.
The late striker’s mother is Alhaja Sikiratu.
“We received the news of the monthly stipend to Alhaja Sikiratu as a surprise because we thought the woman has been forgotten but the minister changed our thinking with that singular action.
“We call on other individuals to also show love to this aged woman and others across the country who need help.
“The minister showed a true spirit of sportsmanship with his decision; he has already led the way for others to follow,” the secretary said.
Owolewa also appealed to Kwara Government to reach out to the late footballer’s mother.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yekini played in two World Cups and scored the country’s first goal in the competition.
The late striker, who died at 48, scored 37 goals in 58 matches for the Super Eagles.
Yekini died in Ibadan on May 4, 2012, and was buried in his residence in Ira, Kwara. (NAN)
