Govt won’t abandon you, Sports Minister assures Tijani Babangida

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoch, on Monday, visited former Nigeria international, Tijani Babangida, in his Abuja home assuring the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Gold medalist of the government’s support.

The minister, who apologised for not coming on time to visit the former Ajax Amsterdam of Holland speedster because of his very tight schedule, however, maintained that he had been in touch with the Babangidas.

Enoh assured that the Federal Government will not abandon Tijani at his trying time stressing that all that is necessary for him to get back on his feet will definitely be provided for him.

He maintained that it is in showing support at this crucial time that the younger generation of Nigerians would be able to have more faith in representing the country.

“We need to assist Tijani in whatever way we can. People like him who have represented this country to the highest level cannot be left alone in their time of need,” the minister said.

While appreciating the minister for the visit, Babangida seized the opportunity to inform him ( Enoh) about his (Babangida) wife saying she needed to be flown abroad for the last rounds of treatment.

“Mr Minister, it has not been easy for me since the accident occured. There is nothing I can do for my brother and my son whom I lost in the accident but my greatest concern now is my wife.

“I will need to take her abroad for surgery but it is going to cost me much. If there is any place I need help it is in this area,” the AFCON 2000 silver medalist said.