Senate in addition to recommending Amusan for a national award, urged the Federal Government to increase investment in sports
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerian Senate has nominated Tobi Amusan for a national award after she won gold for the country in Women’s 100 metres hurdles and broke a 6-year-old world record at the just concluded World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, United States.
The recommendation followed a motion moved by Senator Ibikunle Amosun, during plenary on Wednesday, July 27.
Amusan had made history for Nigeria as the first Nigerian to win a world title and an unprecedented world record in one day.
She set a World Record, twice, to win the 100m hurdles by running a stunning 12:12 seconds in the semi-final to smash America Keni Harrison’s 12:20 seconds record before powering over the line at Hayward Field in 12.06sec in the final.
She won the final beating Jamaica’s Britany Anderson who took silver in 12.23sec, and Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico who claimed bronze in 12.23 seconds.
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Also speaking, Tolu Odebiyi, senator representing Ogun west, said Amusan’s success shows that Nigerians can do well if provided the right environment.
“Her success speaks volumes of what ordinary Nigerians can achieve if only we are able to provide the necessary environment for them,” Odebiyi said.
In a resolution passed, following deliberation on the motion on the floor of the Senate, the upper legislative chamber commended Amusan for her spectacular achievement in the track and field event.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to increase investment in the sports sector as a way of creating opportunities for the teeming youths and bringing Nigerians into international recognition.
The motion was adopted after it was put to vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.