President Jonathan leads fitness exercise
President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday, March 7, led government officials as well as sportsmen and women, on out-door physical exercise in Abuja. The exercise which was organized by the Nigerian Sports community is aimed at promoting sports and fitness in Nigeria.”
The exercise which started at 7:00 a.m. featured a long walk from the Presidential Villa by President Jonathan accompanied by top government officials, presidential aides, political associates, leading sports personalities and enthusiasts. Other programs performed at the event include jogging, physical stretches and light aerobics and a solidarity rally for President Jonathan at the Eagle Square.
Sports personalities that participated in the physical training exercise and solidarity rally include Mary Onyali ,Austin Eguavoen, Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph Yobo and Chika Chukwumerije, amongst others.
The sports personalities who spoke at the occasion pledged to mobilize the youths and sports lovers to vote for the president.
In a speech laden with praises, Kanu Nwankwo thanked the President for his uncommon transformation in sports which has seen Nigerian win many laurels. It is only proper we allow the transformation to continue.
Mr. Chika Chukwmerije, a Taekwando expert and medalist said with the avalanche of problems confronting Nigeria today , the nation , especially the youths does not need the pains or misfortune of being led by a retired and tired 73 years old former dictator. Moving forward require the experience of a president that has visibly touched the lives of youths in general.
Responding, President Jonathan pledged to continue to identify with sports men and women in Nigeria. He said sports has continued to unite the people of Nigeria and we must ensure that Nigeria continue to win medals by encouraging and motivating our sports people.
The president pledged to establish a special sports intervention fund if reelected. The fund he said will act as a stop gap that will assist different sports federation meet with their goals outside budgetary constraints, from the special fund, sports men and women can receive direct assistance to further their careers outside sports and also medical attention as the need might arise. We must not allow our sports icons to die in penury or become beggars the president emphasized. He thanked the sports community for the confidence reposed on him and urged them to use their influence to work for his reelection in communities across the nation so that he will continue to work for Nigeria and for them.
Earlier in the event Mary Onyeali urged all athletes and sports lovers to campaign for the reelection of the president. Sports loving Nigerians needs President Jonathan to continue in office because he has done so much for the industry. ‘President Jonathan is the best sports loving president, she said amidst applause.