ADC, however, thanked the president for recognizing and rewarding the efforts of the athletes.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to announce monetary rewards for Nigerian athletes in US dollars.
ADC made its feelings known on Tuesday in a statement shared on X by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi.
He was reacting to the recent cash rewards given to Nigeria’s national female football team, the Super Falcons, and the basketball team, D’Tigress, for their respective feats.
While the Falcons won their 10th title at the recently concluded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, D’Tigress lifted their 5th consecutive trophy at the AfroBasket ball in Cote d’ivore.
Reacting to the gesture by President Tinubu, ADC thanked him for recognizing and rewarding the efforts of the athletes.
The opposition party, however, criticized the choice of currency used for the reward, saying it shows lack of respect for Nigeria’s own currency, the Naira.
Abdullahi said: “We thank President BAT for amply rewarding our victorious Falcons and D’Tigress. But we find it strange that the President has repeatedly shown his disregard for the Nigerian sovereign currency by announcing the awards in US Dollars.”
He ended the post by referencing the National Orientation Agency (NOA), saying: “Mr. President sir, NOA says, Stop the Naira Abuse.”
