Sports Administrators Eulogise Yar'Adua

No fewer than 17 members of the sporting fraternity have so far signed the condolence register opened at the NOC since the death President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on May 5, 2010.

Until his death, the president was the Grand Patron of the Committee.

Many of those who signed the register expressed their grief in various manners, depicting how deeply they were touched by the demise of President Yar’Adua.

``We lost a President that had passion for sports and the no 1 supporter of all sports in Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace,’’ was how Olabanji Oladapo, Secretary-General of NOC captured his impression of Mr President.

``You are the best President that Nigeria has ever produced but good things don’t last. May your soul rest in peace,’’ was the view of Prince Adeyemi Balogun Adewusi, a sports enthusiast.

Chairman of Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), George Tailor- Rotimi in his comment wrote simply: ``RIP - Good men don't stay long’’.

``RIP President Yar'Adua. You are an epitome of transparency and love. The sports fraternity will miss you a lot,’’ was the view of Andrew Ekejiuba Sports Editor of Lagos-based, National Mirror.

``May the late President rest in peace. You gave your best, especially in promoting social justice and peace in the Niger Delta,’’ was how the Manger of NOC, Emmanuel Nweri, gave his own impression.

``Nature has taken its course. Rest in peace,’’ wrote in Brendan Ukwoke, Director of Sports Enugu State Sports Council.

For Stanley Deng, a staff of the National Sports Commission, it was: ``what a great loss, a humble, corrupt less visionary, rule of law and servant leader. We shall always remember you. May your dreams be achieved and RIP’’.

``The advocate of rule of law and transparency is gone. Good night the people's President,’’ said Paul Okocha, another official of NSC.

Robert Onwukwe, a Development Officer of Baseball & Softball summed: ``The rule of law, you championed is played well in heaven and heaven rest your soul in Jesus name’’.