By Goodluck Ikiebe in Abuja.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, on Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) with a call on BOT to take advantage of the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP), recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, to drive the development of sports in the country.
Dare, who was supported at the ceremony by the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel, congratulated the new Board Members and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) for working assidously towards the revitalisation of the BOT after the unfortunate demise of its pioneer members.
He commended the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) for its commitment and doggedness that led to the successes recorded at the 2022 Commonwealth Games despite the absence of its Board of Trustees.
Mr. Dare, who pledged the Ministry’s unflinching support to the Board and NOC, expressed optimism that with the calibre of persons inaugurated, Nigeria is set to record more podium performances at International Competitions.
Speaking earlier, Gumel, explained that the delay in the inauguration of the BOT was as a result of necessary documentation and registration of its members at the Corporate Affairs Commission as well as the demise of five former BOT members.
He said,”After their passage, we were constrained to fill the vacuum created as a matter of statutory requirement. In the face of this, we made a proposal to the Executive Board which led to the nomination and eventual appointment of the new Trustees we are inaugurating today”.
He urged the new appointees to support the objectives and aspirations of the NOCnby giving their best service to the nation in order to bring to reality, the dreams and aspirations of sports loving Nigerians in the field.
Members of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees are:
I. Amb Haruna Garba
2. Hon. Ayo H. Omidiran
3. Dr. Lanre Glover
4. Mr. Jackson Bidei
5. Hon. Lumumba Dah Adeh
6. Mr. Suleiyman Mu’azu
7. Mr. Obi Asika.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
