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| President Muhammadu Buhari |
On behalf of his family and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent condolences to the family of Alhaji Karim Ayinla Babalola Olowu, OON, who brought global honour to the country as Nigeria’s first Commonwealth Games medallist in 1954, which was formerly known as the British Empire Games.
The President commiserated with friends and associates of the outstanding athlete, who took the spotlight for the country before Independence and consistently remained relevant, participating in the 1952 Summer Olympics and the 1956 Summer Olympics, and winning silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in 1954.
President extoled the diligence and patriotism of the sprinter and long jumper who served variously as official at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Commonwealth Games, All African Games and Lagos State Sports Council, and later in the Nigerian Prisons Service, where he also promoted sports.
As the first Nigerian Olympic torch bearer at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and Africa’s oldest living Olympian, President believes the exploits of the late athlete and instructor will remain an inspiration to many generations.
President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will receive the soul of “KAB’’ Olowu and comfort his family.
