Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed John Mikel Obi as a youth ambassador.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, as the nation’s youth ambassador.
The announcement of Obi’s appointment was made at an event at the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) secretariat in Surulere, Lagos on Friday.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said Obi’s appointment was aimed to “inspire young Nigerians to strive for excellence.”
Dare described Mikel as a role model whose lasting legacies in football development have continued to have a positive impact on youths in the nation.
The Minister said, “It is it my pleasure to appoint you as Nigeria Youth Ambassador. It’s a new portfolio and your role as youth ambassador will be made known to Nigerians.
“It’s phenomenon to have somebody like him, he should be able to gather young men around and talk to them.
“Time will not permit me to say much about Mikel’s success as a footballer. He is our legend and a role model who has continued to impact the lives of youth positively.”
Obi while expressing his delight about his appointment, promised to work with the sports ministry to foster youth development in Nigeria.
The 34-year-old said, “I feel highly honoured to be appointed as Youth Ambassador of this country, it is a great feeling.
“I am happy with this partnership and I promise to do my best to encourage and inspire the youths towards national development not just in football but in other sports like Basketball, Boxing among others.”
Obi played at all national football levels in his international career for Nigeria.
He retired from international football in 2019, after Nigeria won the AFCON third-place medal.
