Sports minister Sunday Dare has donated N50,000, as well as food items and beverages to Mrs Janet Okwaraji, mother of fallen Super Eagles star Samuel Okwaraji.
Okwaraji, born on May 19, 1964, slumped and died on August 12, 1989 during a 1990 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Angola at the National Stadium , Lagos.
Dare, who was represented by Bamidele Ajayi, made the cash donation at the home of the late Eagles star in Abakpa-Nike in Enugu State.
The other items donated include food items and beverages .
“I’ve always been drawn to greatness and I admire people who lived their lives to elevate the status of their communities and nations. Okwaraji was not just a footballer, he was an icon and great patriot,” Dare said.
“ He was a great professional who redefined football in Nigeria with many young talents benefiting from his ingenuity and sacrifices by re-writing our country’s name in gold in world football.”
Responding on behalf of the family, the eldest son of the Okwarajis, Mr. Patrick Okwaraji, thanked the minister for the kind gesture.
Patrick said, “Sam died 30 years ago, everybody would appreciate if they feel he is worthy to be remembered and appreciated for the little contributions he made even when he died in his prime.
“I thank the minister for deeming it worthy to do this. It’s very encouraging because this is the first and only minister to support the family. We are indeed very grateful. I honestly don’t know what to say other than to say the family appreciates this show of commitment to us, which is long overdue.”
Dare also recently donated cash and food items to the mother of another fallen Eagles star, Rashidi Yekini, in Kwara State.