President Goodluck Jonathan received the Queen’s Baton at an event held at the forecourt of Aso Rock presidential villa on Monday ahead of Nigeria’s participation in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in July.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, other top government and the National Sports Commission officials and the Commonwealth Games delegation, were present at the brief event.
President Jonathan expressed optimism concerning Nigeria’s performance in the Glasgow Games which begins on July 23 and ends August 3. He hopes Nigeria will build on the successes attained in the previous edition.
Dressed in a white track and suit for the event, Mr President added he was happy the country is fully involved in the Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which was flagged off by Queen Elizabeth 2 at Burkingham Palace in October.
Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi handed the baton to President Jonathan, who passed it on to Senator Bala Mohammed (the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory) late on, for its journey to the other parts of the FCT.
The baton will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday, before its onward journey to neighbouring West African state of Cameroon.
