Buhari appoints Ambode as World Cup delegate to Russia

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode as a member of the Federal Government delegation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup starting in Russia from June 14.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung made the disclosure when he led a delegation from the International Paralympics Committee on a courtesy visit to Governor Ambode at Lagos House in Ikeja, Lagos yesterday.

According to Dalung, the Governor’s appointment was in recognition of the massive investment and commitment to sports development which the Governor had exhibited in the last three years.

While handing over the letter of appointment to the Governor, Dalung said Lagos had been home to sports, and that it was gratifying that Governor Ambode had repositioned sports as a catalyst for development and growth in the State.

“Your Excellency, I want to inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved you as one of the members of the Federal Government Delegation that would be leading and representing him and other Nigerians in Russia at the World Cup.

“The President’s approval of you as a member of that delegation is borne out of the conviction that you have been one of the Governors that have invested heavily in sports and also supported Sports.

“Lagos is home to sports and so we are always here. We are always here because of the very friendly environment and a good relationship the Ministry enjoys with the Lagos State Government and the fraternity of the government and people of Lagos is one of the major reasons why we will often visit the Governor when the occasion demands,” Dalung said.

Ambode in his response said he appreciated the President’s gesture for appointing, saying that with the morale and physical support for the Super Eagles, Nigerians would be made proud at the end of the day.