Teen Sprint Star Jacinta Lawrence Bags ₦3m as NSC Appreciation Tour Storms Uyo

The National Sports Commission (NSC) Appreciation Tour arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, celebrating and rewarding young Nigerian athletes whose performances continue to elevate the country on the international stage.

A major highlight of the visit was the recognition of teenage sprint sensation Jacinta Lawrence Andrew, an SS2 student of Community Secondary School, Ibiaku Itam in Itu Local Government Area, who has quickly emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising young athletes.

Jacinta first caught national attention at the African School Games in Algeria, where she claimed a silver medal in the girls’ 400 metres. She later went one better at the African Youth Games in Angola, winning gold in the same event.

The young sprinter recently added another milestone to her growing career after being part of the Nigerian team that secured qualification for the World Athletics Relays—a remarkable achievement for an athlete still in secondary school.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said the Appreciation Tour signals a new approach to recognising and motivating athletes across the country.

“This Appreciation Tour is about recognising hard work, discipline and excellence wherever we find it across the country,” Olopade said. “When young athletes see that their sacrifices and performances are valued, it inspires them to aim higher and assures them that the nation stands firmly behind them.”

He added that celebrating athletes like Jacinta aligns with the commission’s long-term strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s talent pipeline while encouraging young people to combine sports with education.

“For someone still in secondary school to achieve so much on the continental stage shows the immense potential we have in our youth. It is our responsibility to nurture and support them,” he added.

In recognition of her achievements, the commission presented Jacinta with a ₦3 million cash reward as part of the tour’s initiative to honour athletes who have excelled internationally.

An emotional Jacinta thanked the commission for the gesture, saying the recognition would spur her to work harder.

“I am very grateful to the National Sports Commission for believing in me. This recognition encourages me to keep training and to make Nigeria proud,” she said.

The Appreciation Tour forms part of the commission’s broader efforts to celebrate excellence, inspire emerging talents and strengthen grassroots sports development across Nigeria.