Nigeria’s first athlete to win an Olympic medal, Nojeem Maiyegun has been honoured at the 24th Karis award held in Lagos.
The award which recognizes Nigerian citizens who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to the development of the country, was introduced by presidential aspirant Chris Okotie in 1996.
Maiyegun won a bronze medal in the lightweight division of the boxing event at the 1964 summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
He also won a bronze medal at the 1966 Commonwealth games in Jamaica.
Minister of sports, Sunday Dare who presented the award to family members of Maiyegun, said the sports ministry under his watch will begin to identify Nigeria sports legends who deserve recognition.
