By Tony Ubani Reporting from London
Souvenirs, mementos, are part of the gifts that make the Olympics thick. There are collectors of these souvenirs who have witnessed more than 10 Olympics in their lives.

That is an incredible achievement and people from all walks of life cherish such pins from other countries at the Olympics. As little and insignificant it might look to us, some of these people value such gifts over money which to us is more valuable.

Nigerian officials in the past never reckoned with such minor details while planning for the Olympics. And athletes had severally been embarrassed when other athletes offer their hands of friendship by giving them pins and gifts. The Nigerians turned out to be receivers and not gives.

Remember, that blessed is the hand that gives more than the one that receives. Some athletes cried out to no avail about these minor details that rub mud on the country without the officials knowing. Flags, too, also play such important and significant roles in the Olympics.

There were times when the Green-White-Green flag of Nigeria, the symbol of our nation was lacking or missing in action when a Nigerian accomplished a feat of winning a medal at the Olympics. Nigerians watching on TV cry over such embarrassing moments.

But out here, such minute details are being taking care of by President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Engr Sani M. Ndanusa.  Ndanusa came prepared with pins, gift items, flags, and many items with the emblem of Nigeria.

At the formal presentation and welcome ceremony of Team Nigeria to the Olympic Village, Ndanusa shocked his hosts. Other countries before Nigeria presented one gift item but Nigeria in its splendor represented by Ndanusa, Chef de Mission Dr Patrick Ekeji and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Britain, Dr Dalhatu Tafidah, presented three gifts.

The wooden gifts and pins were a marvel to the LOCOOG and IOC officials who admired them while sporadic applause rented the air.

‘’Team Nigeria came out tops. That is Nigeria for you. Who says that things cannot work in Nigeria?”, Al-Hassan Yakmut, Deputy Chef de Mission to the Olympics asked.

For the first time, pins and different gift items are distributed to Nigerian athletes to exchange with their colleagues from other countries. When reminded about this uncommon transformation, Ndanusa was modest and said that God is in control.

He also lauded Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Director General of the National Sports Commission, Dr Patrick Ekeji for their tireless efforts in working hand in hand with the NOC for the good of Team Nigeria and Nigerians. ‘’I’m happy that these athletes notice and appreciate such things.

They might look small but small things always create big problems. I thank God for his mercies”, Ndanusa offered.