Nigerian sprinter Enoch Olaolu Adegoke has been promised a Sports Utility Vehicle if he wins gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Shehu Ibrahim Gusau issued the promise to Adegoke ahead of the Games which starts 23 July to 8 August 2021.
During an elaborate send forth ceremony held by the Edo State Government for its athlete, Enoch Adegoke on Tuesday, Gusau said the gesture is his little way of motivating the athlete participating in the track and field events.
Gusau who was part of the virtual ceremony via Zoom said that if Adegoke wins any other medal apart from gold, he will still receive a surprise gift from him.
“Olympics is a big stage where every qualified athlete is motivated to go for gold and we need to motivate them more.
“I am talking about a tear rubber SUV, not a fairly used vehicle. If he wins any other medal, the AFN will give him a gift.”
Gusau who has continued to successfully steer athletics resurgence said that as a man of his words, all athletes under the AFN’s umbrella should be assured of a big package after their Olympics exploits.
“I promised Blessing Okagbare during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and it was redeemed. This cannot be different,”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has presented Adegoke with $10,000 as upkeep during the games.
Deputy governor Philip Shaibu delivered the grant to Edo native Adegoke along with the blessings of the government and the good people of Edo State.
The grant is to help with his personal needs in the build-up to the Olympic Games, during the games and immediately after the Games.
Adegoke qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games thanks to the generous financial assistance and facilities and equipment provided by the Edo State Government.
Said Shaibu: “the government and good people of Edo State are wishing you well. I am positive that Tokyo 2020 will be the springboard you need to achieve greater things in life, the sky is your limit.
“It is the duty of the Governor, myself, Edo State and Nigeria to continue to support you to achieve your dream. I urged you to continue with the commitment and the hard work you have shown at the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival, we pray that God will crown your efforts with success. We pray that you come with a medal. We realize that in the build to the games, during and after you will have some needs and we don’t want those needs to distract you, that is why the government is giving you $10,000 to meet these needs, when you come back there will be a special Edo Package to celebrate you.”
Replying, an elated Adegoke thanked the state governor Godwin Obaseki, Shaibu and the good people of Edo State.
“I am happy and excited to be Edo State Ambassador. When Yussuf Alli, my senior, told me that Deputy Governor wants to send me forth over the weekend I could not believe it. I thank the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the people of Edo State for the cash grants but the honour of being hosted by the Deputy Governor is more than the cash I promise to fly the state flag higher and higher and be a good ambassador of Edo government and people,” Adegoke said.
