Sports minister pledges support for Eke, Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic gymnast

SPORTS minister Sunday Dare has promised to give the first Nigerian to qualify for gymnastics at the Olympics, Uche Eke, full backing by taking over his preparations for Tokyo 2020.

Eke qualified for the Olympics after finishing third at the African Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Egypt last week, claiming one of the spots open to the continent’s gymnasts in the men’s event.

Dare made the pledge to Eke on Monday when he recieved the 23-year-old athlete in his office in Abuja.

The minister said that it was memorable to receive Eke as Team Nigeria continues the build-up towards success at the Tokyo Olympics billed to take off on 23 July.

“Nigeria’s sports development is on a new trajectory driven powerfully by individual athletes with excellent performances, and no person better symbolizes the future of our sports development than this 23- year old youth Uche Eke,” Dare said.

“Watching his documentary on BBC and CNN over and over, I knew this determination came from his heart. I then realised that if most of our youth can immerse their successes within Nigerian just like Eke, who said he loves the Nigerian flag, then his highest form of patriotism should resonate with all.

“When it comes to sports, what drives excellence is the spirit of patriotism that makes you want to excel for your country.”

The minister commended Eke for successfully combining sports and education, and excelling in both.

“I want to congratulate you first because you have brought to form the nexus between education and sports which is what America and Europe preach, graduating with a first class from Michigan State University while also excelling in gymnastics,” the minister added.

“Two years ago in Morocco, we saw how your discipline, consistency, dedication and determination brightened our journey to the Olympics. We are proud of every young one who is putting our nation on the world map in sports.

“The youth remain one of the greatest resources that this country has, hence there’s absolute focus on investing in their lives in whatever field they find themselves. This has been the business and the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.”
Eke thanked the minister for his support and promised to remain focused on his goal of succeeding at the Olympics.

“Each time I go out there to compete, seeing the President of the Gymnastic Federation of Nigeria, I feel the whole of Nigeria is with me,” he said.

“I appreciate the honourable minister for all he is doing for the Nigerian youth and sports development. I pledge my commitment to remain focused at the Olympics, I’m going for podium performance to make the nation proud.”

Eke also won men’s gymnastics gold at the African Games in Rabat, Morocco in 2019.