Nigerian Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoch on Monday visited former Nigeria International, Tijani Babangida who is still recuperating from the accident he had few days ago alongside his family members.
Against notion that he has not shown much care since the accident happened, the minister apologized for visiting late but maintained that he had been in touch with the Babangidas but had unfortunately not been able to visit because of his very tight schedule.
He however assured that the Federal Government will not abandon Tijani at this his trying time, stressing that they will ensure that whatever necessary he needs to get back on his feet will definitely be provide for him. He maintained that it is in showing this kind of support that younger Nigerians would be able to have more faith to represent the country.
“We need to assist Tijani in whatever way we we can. People like him who have represented this country to the highest level cannot be left alone in their time of need.
Meanwhile, while thanking the Minister for the visit, Tijani Babangida used the opportunity to inform him about the condition of his wife saying that they would have to fly her abroad for the last rounds of treatments.
“Mr Minister, it has not been easy for me since the accident occured. There is nothing I can do for my brother and my son whom I lost in the accident, but my greatest concern now is my wife. I will need to take her abroad for surgery but it is going to cost me much. If there is any place I need help it is in this area,” Tijani said.
In his vote of thank, the secretary of the Nigeria players union, Emmanuel Babayaro who was on ground to receive the Minister re-emphasized the plea of Babangida concerning his wife pleading that the condition of his wife is more of a concern to Tijani.
He informed the Minister that aside those that died in the accident, Tijani’s wife was the worst hit among those who survived and therefore all hands must be on deck to save the lady.