The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the full redemption of the presidential rewards promised to members of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, describing the development as a powerful demonstration of a government that keeps its word to athletes who bring honour to the nation.
The Presidential aide said the completion of the reward package, with each D’Tigress player receiving the naira equivalent of $100,000 and each official receiving the equivalent of $50,000, alongside previously approved national honours and three-bedroom homes in Abuja, represents more than a financial reward.
According to Adeboye, it is a statement of confidence in Nigerian athletes and a clear indication that the welfare and sacrifices of those who represent the country are being taken seriously under the administration of President Tinubu.
“This is what responsible leadership looks like. Mr. President made a promise to our athletes, and today Nigerians are witnessing that promise being fulfilled. It tells every Nigerian athlete that when you go out there and make this country proud, your country will not forget you.”
Adeboye noted that the completion of the rewards is particularly significant because the Federal Government had to follow the necessary legal and administrative processes to ensure that every commitment was properly implemented.
He commended President Tinubu for maintaining his commitment throughout the process, stressing that the passage of time did not diminish the importance of the original promise.
“A promise made to an athlete is a promise made on behalf of Nigeria. The processes may take time because government must do things properly and according to the law, but what matters is that the commitment is eventually honoured. Today, that commitment has been honoured.”
The SSA said the development sends an important message to young Nigerians at the grassroots who aspire to become professional athletes and represent the country internationally.
He stressed that sporting excellence must be accompanied by a culture of appreciation, welfare and recognition, particularly for athletes who sacrifice years of preparation and personal comfort to compete under the Nigerian flag.
“Our young people are watching. They need to see that there is a future in sports and that the nation values those who serve it through sports. This is why athlete welfare is not an afterthought; it must be part of the system from the grassroots to the highest level.”
Adeboye also welcomed the ongoing conclusion of the outstanding cash rewards for the Super Falcons, noting that the players and officials have already received title documents for their house allocations and their National Honours certificates.
He further acknowledged that the promised houses and National Honours for members of the Super Eagles have also been redeemed, describing the development as evidence of a broader commitment by the Tinubu administration to recognise athletes across different sporting disciplines.
The SSA said the fulfilment of these commitments is consistent with the wider sports-sector reforms being pursued by the Federal Government and the re-established National Sports Commission, where athlete welfare, preparation, performance and development are increasingly being placed at the centre of sports administration.
“We are building a culture where athletes are not only expected to perform; they are also supported, respected and properly recognised. That culture must start from the grassroots and continue all the way to our national teams.”
Adeboye said the President’s message to Nigerian athletes — “Make Nigeria proud, and come back to a grateful nation” — captures the relationship that should exist between the country and its sporting ambassadors.
He described the President’s approach as an important motivation for athletes preparing for future international competitions.
“The message from Mr. President is simple and powerful: go out there, make Nigeria proud and know that a grateful nation is waiting for you. That is the kind of confidence we want to give our athletes.”
The Presidential aide congratulated D’Tigress players and officials once again for their achievements and extended his appreciation to all Nigerian athletes who continue to carry the country’s colours with distinction.
He said the Federal Government’s responsibility is not only to celebrate champions when they return with medals but also to build a system that supports them before, during and after competition.
“Our athletes deserve more than applause. They deserve a system that prepares them properly, takes care of them when they compete and remembers them when they return home. President Tinubu is showing that Nigeria can begin to build that system.”
Adeboye expressed confidence that the continued implementation of athlete-focused policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda would encourage more young Nigerians to embrace sports and pursue excellence at national and international levels.
“When our athletes win, Nigeria wins. And when Nigeria promises to stand behind them, Nigeria must keep that promise.”
