President Muhammadu Buhari will host members of Team Nigeria to the Olympic Games at the Presidential Villa, before the last batch of the contingent departs for the Games.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Dare was speaking at a brief send-forth ceremony for the first batch of the team which left for Japan.
The Minister said the contingent which would leave in four batches, would be formally “sent forth” by the President on Monday as is the tradition.
He explained that the ceremony would also afford the President the opportunity of officially handing over Team Nigeria to the Nigeria Olympic Committee in line with age-long tradition.
He added that President Buhari would also be unveiling the official Team Nigeria uniform to the Games.
“We are keeping to the tradition of unveiling the team to the President who will, in turn, hand them over to the NOC.
“The unveiling of the official wear/equipment will also be done by Mr. President. This is a very symbolic event meant to officially send forth the team to the Games.
“This should also inspire the athletes and reinforce the fact that the Federal Government and the entire country are behind them,” Dare said.