Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos has been appointed a member of the Federal Government delegation to the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, made the announcement when he led a delegation of the International Paralympics Committee (IPC) on a visit to the governor.
Dalung said that President Muhammadu Buhari approved Ambode as one of the Federal delegation to lead and represent him and other Nigerians in Russia at the World Cup.
“The president’s approval of him as a member of the delegation is borne out of the conviction that he is one of the governors that has invested heavily in sports development,’’ the minister said.
Dalung said the international delegation was sent to Nigeria to conduct training for the leadership of the Nigerian Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF) and stakeholders on the responsibilities of the hosting rights for the 2019 World Power Paralympics Championship.
He said that they had also inspected facilities to be used when Nigeria is finally given the bid to host the championships.
“Nigeria as a country is in the bid to host an international Paralympic Championships in Lagos, come 2019, and as part of the requirements for qualification.
“The international delegation is in Nigeria to also conduct training and inspect facilities,’’ he said.
Ambode thanked the president for appointing him as one of the delegates to represent Nigeria and to lead the Super Eagles to the World Cup.
Also, Mr Sam Munkley, the Head of the IPC delegation, while thanking the governor for his hospitality, said their workshop with the Nigeria Power Paralympics Federation in the last few days had been fruitful and input amazing.
“The talent that you have for Power Paralympics here in Nigeria makes your people and the federation proud.
“Thank you for taking time to meet us today and we look forward to doing more facility tour and working with you to host the championships in Lagos State,’’ Munkley said. (NAN)