FG DISSOLVES OLYMPIC SPORTS FEDERATIONS BOARD

Oru Leonard

The Federal Government has announced the dissolution of Boards of National Olympic Sports Federations following the expiration of their tenure of office.

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare disclosed this today in his office at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He said that in keeping with the Olympic Charter which stipulates a 4 year tenure for all Sports Federations Boards, the tenure of the National Olympic Sports Federations in Nigeria have come to an end, adding that there is a need for a transition from the old Boards to the new one.

Chief Dare who was represented by Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye, Director, Federation Elites and Athletes Department (FEAD) in the ministry stated that within the last 4 years, a few members of the National Sports Federations Boards performed credibly well with a view to ensuring the empowerment of our teaming youths in line with the policy thrust of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

The Minister explained that in order to ensure continuity in the administration of the Federations, Government have decided to put in place Caretaker Committees and called on Nigerians with passion and sports to contribute to the development of sporting activities in the country. ‘’I encourage all Nigerians who have passion and interest for their chosen Sports and who can contribute selflessly to the development of Sports in Nigeria to show interest in the Membership of the various National Sports Federations.’’ he said.

Chief Dare who expressed gratitude to all Board members for their contributions within the period they served in their various Federations Boards called on the Caretaker Committee to work assiduously towards ensuring team Nigeria participation at the games.

He stated further that the Ministry having consulted with the NOC will soon organize election into the Federations using the Code of Governance which is the administrative machinery that regulates the governance of Sports Federations in Nigeria.

To ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process, the minister said, the Ministry requested all National Sports Federations to submit their Constitution.
The newly appointed Caretaker Committees for the 31 National Sports Federations will run the affairs of the Federations until the inauguration of the new Boards. The Aquatic Federation of Nigeria Caretaker committee is headed by Babatunde Fatai William’s, Olumide George Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Eng. Musa Kida, Basketball Federation of Nigeria, Rtd General Joseph Ayeni, Nigeria Boxing Federation, DIG Sani Sani Mohammed Nigeria Chess Federation, Professor Yahaya Ukwanya Nigeria Cricket Federation, G Masari Cycling Federation of Nigeria, Abubakar Gaya Darts Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji U Nahuche Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation, Abubakar Dangaladima Fives Federation of Nigeria, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlolola Nigeria Golf Federation, Prince Kelvin Erhurnwunse, Gymnastic Federation of Nigeria.

Others are Samuel Ochecho Handball Federation of Nigeria, Senator Andul Ningi, Nigeria Hockey Federation, Brig Gen. Z L Abubakar, Nigeria Judo Federation, Sila Agara, Karate Federation of Nigeria, Yakubu Abubakar Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria, Arc. Adewunmi Adekunle, Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation, Rtd Rear Admiral Porbeni Festus, Nigeria Rowing, Canoeing and Yatching Federation, Comrade Iyorchia Grace Nigeria Rugby Federation, Suleman Gora Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Maj. General Johnny Hamakim,Nigeria Shooting Federation, Oyerinde Adeboye,Nigeria Squash Federation, Chief Tikon Ishayaku, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Mrs Margaret Binga,Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Akindoju Olaoye Nigeria Tennis Federation, Usman Musa Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria, Musa Nimrod, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Tonobok Okowa,Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Daniel Igali,Nigeria Wrestling Federation.