Former senator Shehu Sani has called on President Bola Tinubu to publicly appreciate Dr. Katsuya Takasu, a Japanese billionaire and plastic surgeon, who came to Nigeria’s rescue during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

In a post on X, Sani recalled how the Nigerian U-23 football team was stranded in Atlanta due to financial constraints while preparing for the Olympics.

According to him, Dr. Takasu flew from Tokyo to provide $200,000 to cover the team’s flight expenses and bonuses, and later donated an additional $190,000 to reward them for winning the bronze medal.

Sani lamented that despite his extraordinary gesture, Dr. Takasu was never formally appreciated by the Nigerian government.

He urged President Tinubu, who is currently on an official visit to Japan, to seek out the philanthropist, if still alive, and thank him for his act of generosity.

“He saved Nigeria from embarrassment. It’s time we thanked him properly,” Sani wrote.