The Federal Government has fulfilled its promise of building a house for former Super Eagles coach Bonfrere Jo.
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), handed over the keys to a three-bedroom apartment in Gwagwalada, Abuja to the Dutchman on Tuesday.
In handing over the keys at a ceremony in the nation’s capital, the Federal Government fulfilled the pledge made to the coach after he guided the national U23 team to victory at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
The minister thanked the Dutchman for his contribution and expects the move to inspire the Super Eagles at the World Cup.
He said, “Let me on behalf of the President apologise to you that it has taken so long for the Nigerian government to come through. We thank you for your contribution to the development of our country, our youth, football and to say that it is better late than never. Nigeria always come through, we have come through for you.
“It is proper that with just a few days to another World Cup, Nigeria fulfils and redeems this pledge and I hope that this will serve as an inspiration to our players going to the World Cup and the officials that this government will be there for you all the way.”
For Fashola, the fulfilment of the promise reflects the commitment of the current administration to keeping its promises to citizens.
“Ordinarily, this ought to be a short meeting but if it takes 24 years for the government of the country to respond to its citizens, it must assume a news-making event,” he said.
“This is consistent with the commitment that the President has made that once again, he will make Nigerians proud of their country. This country should always be there to respond to the needs and expectations of the citizens.”
A thankful Bonfrere Jo, who is now 74, also wished the Super Eagles success at the World Cup.
He said, “As a coach that was directly involved in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympic football gold medal victories, I crave for an impressive performance for our Super Eagles in Russia and offer my support to the team and technical staff.”
