Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, has joined millions of Nigerians in congratulating his constituent, Ese Brume, who on Tuesday won a medal for Nigeria at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The Ughelli-born athlete gave Nigeria her first medal at the Olympic Games with a bronze medal in the women’s long jump final.
Brume recorded a 6.97 metres jump in the event, coming behind Germany’s Malaika Mihambo and Britney Reese of the United States.
In a congratulatory message, Omo-Agege, who is representing Delta Central in the Senate, said the athlete has not only made the Urhobo nation and Delta State in particular proud but also Nigeria and Africa in general.
He stressed the need for the youth to emulate Brume’s can-do spirit by pushing themselves to the limit. By doing this, he added, the sky will be their starting point. OmoAgege who turned 58 on Tuesday, August 3, described the victory as the best birthday gift he had received.
“We have followed your progress over the years from being a three-time African senior champion in the long jump with a personal best of 7.17m.
“Indeed, you have shown us all your hard work and consistency over the years so it was no surprise when the news broke of your achievement in the ongoing Olympics holding in Tokyo Japan.
“By claiming bronze medal, you have rescued Team Nigeria and we couldn’t be more proud that it was one of our daughters from Urhoboland that helped in salvaging the hope of our country.
“We are proud to associate with you as we look forward to more victories from you in the future. We will continue to reiterate the need for more youth participation in sports as we will continue to support and harness them until they attain their full potentials,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government yesterday at Grand Prince Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, gave Brume and wrestling silver medallist, Blessing Oborodudu, $7,000 and $10, 000 respectively in fulfillment of the promise made to athletes, who win medals at the Games.
Oborodudu and Brume were presented their cash by Sports Minister, Sunday Dare. Speaking at the ceremony, Dare said, “There’s no point delaying the reinforcement of these athletes, who have made the country proud, that is the reason they were rewarded immediately for their record breaking performance.”
In her reaction, Oborodudu said, “I am just super excited and I want to say thank you to all my supporters and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the encouragement.”
