Rio Olympics: President Buhari warns against misapplication of funds by delegates

Ahead of the Rio Olympics Games, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said his administration would ensure successful participation of Team Nigeria by ensuring immediate release of funds budgeted for the games.

He however warned that in the face of dwindling revenue and global economic challenges, all those concerned must ensure that funds provided are utilised judiciously.

Specifically, the President directed that those who have no business at the Games should stay in Nigeria to cheer the team from home.

Buhari spoke at the official handover of Team Nigeria to the Nigerian Olympic Committee and his (President’s) investiture as the Grand Patron of the NOC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President said those who do not have business in Rio and wish to travel should do so at their expense.

He said, “Let me assure you that the Federal Government is fully committed to our delegation’s successful participation in the Rio Olympic Games and will ensure that funds budgeted for the Games are released without further delay.

“We are all aware of our nation’s dwindling revenue and the current global economic challenges. It is therefore imperative that funds provided for the Games are utilised judiciously.

“In this regard, any official who has no business at the Games should stay at home to cheer the team from here and if they must travel to the Olympics, they should do so at their own expense.”

Buhari charged all athletes and team officials going to the Olympic Games to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria both on the field of play and outside the sporting arena.


Credit: Punch