Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon the lawmaker representing Kosofe constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly has enjoined Nigerian youths to explore the possibilities in sporting activities to better their lots, than dissipating their energies in fruitless ventures.
The astute legislator made this assertion while hosting one of his constituents, who clinched gold medal at the Commonwealth games held in Birmingham, Miss Goodness Nwanchuku Chiemerie won gold in Women’s Para discus throw.
Okanlawon while commending Goodness Chiemerie appraised the passion she put into her trainings and the unique fighting spirit she possessed in spite of her disability.
“This is to celebrate our golden girl,who has made Nigeria,Lagos State and most especially Kosofe constituency 1 great at the commonwealth games.
“She has shown us there is ability in disability, this is resonated and symbolized by her great feat, unless you want to make yourself perpetually disabled, you have a unique gift freely given by almighty God that you can explore.
So instead of dissipating your energies in unwholesome things you can be useful to yourself, family and the nation in one way or the other through involvement in sporting activities.
I can only advise that you keep your head afloat above the water be much more hardworking so that you will get to your Senate. Olympic gold is what I am praying for you and you will accomplish it by the grace of God.
“Celebrating her in our own little way,for her to step up action towards becoming an Olympic gold medallist, this demands seriousness, rigorous training and right attitude step up action so that she will continue to win no matter the challenge there is innate in all the unique capabilities.
The lawmaker used the opportunity to charge the youths to get involved in sports citing the economic and health benefits inherent in it.
“I enjoin youths in Kosofe Federal constituency, you can direct your energies aright, sports offers you a veritable emancipation avenue as it help grow your economy, create employment to break the shackles of poverty.
“That informs why Lagos is doing much in sport, I also I initiated Okla Tennis Academy in my constituency likewise football competition having discovered that sports solves a lot of restiveness being a source of employment, all should take a cue from Goodness Nwanchuku.
“Sports contributes 1.8 percent in US GDP, 1.6 percent of UK GDP while in Nigeria 0.005 percent, we need to buckle up in developing sport in Nigeria.”
In their goodwill messages Honourable Okanlawon’s colleagues: Hon. Kehinde Joseph Alimosho constituency 1, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya Mushin constituency 1 and Hon.Tijani Surajudeen Ojo constituency 2 ,who witnessed the honour done on Chiemerie all commended the lawmaker for his thoughtful mien, while citing the fact that the gold medallist has done the nation proud by attaining the worthy feat.
Chiemerie, who is the leader of the special people in Kosofe , while reacting to the honour done on her noted that her winning strength lies in strenuous trainings and focus attendant which made her first outing a huge success.
She encouraged others with physical disabilities never to despair but give their best in whatever they do.
The gold medallist also took out time to appreciate her fans for their support all the way to victory.
She was accompanied by Mr. Owoyele Damilola an APC LGA special leader Kosofe and also wheelchair basketball team captain in Lagos State.
The lawmaker who was adorned with the medal Chiemerie won also gave her a cash gift for the feat attained urging her to keep going for more gold.
