ABUJA/Nigeria: In a virtual assembly held on December 13, 2023, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) convened for its Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a significant moment as President Engr. Habu Gumel, OON, FNIM, FNSE, delivered a comprehensive review of the outgoing year, 2022. During his address to the esteemed colleagues and members of the Olympic Family, Gumel emphasized the Committee’s strides and outlined ambitious plans for the future.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of support from members, including the Executive Committee and Executive Board, Gumel underscored the Committee’s accomplishments, attributing part of the success to the support from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Seizing the platform provided by the AGM, the IOC member rallied stakeholders, urging heightened participation in the upcoming major sporting events – the Youth Winter Games, the African Games, and the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Gumel emphasized the need for a breakthrough, aiming to surpass Nigeria’s achievements from the 1996 Atlanta Games, where the nation secured two gold medals.
The President extended gratitude to Patrons, Trustees, and various Commissions and Committees for their unwavering contributions toward realizing the Committee’s objectives. Reflecting on the activities of 2022, Gumel highlighted the NOC’s commitment to fostering unity within the Olympic Family and upholding the core principles of the Olympic Movement.
Among the notable milestones, Gumel proudly announced the successful acquisition of five hectares of land in Abuja for the construction of the Committee’s Secretariat, a long-awaited achievement. Additionally, he highlighted the completion of the Olympafrica section of the Amuwo Odofin project in Lagos, a substantial stride in bolstering sports infrastructure.
Despite financial constraints, Gumel commended certain Commissions for their dedication in achieving set objectives, emphasizing the Committee’s reconstitution of various Commissions to ensure inclusive participation from National Federations.
Addressing the AGM, the President welcomed Senator John Enoh, Minister for Sports Development, presenting the comprehensive Report of Activities for 2022. The report lauded Nigeria’s participation in the XXII Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK, noting the successful visit of the Queen’s Baton Relay to Nigeria, a tradition upheld since 2002.
The report also spotlighted the GAPS program by the Commonwealth Games Federation for Para athletes, acknowledging Nigeria’s participation alongside other African Commonwealth countries. However, it mourned the passing of coach Patrick Anaeto during the program, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes and coaches alike.
Celebrating Team Nigeria’s impressive performance at the Commonwealth Games, securing 12 Gold, nine Silver, and 14 Bronze medals, Gumel commended the athletes’ dedication, propelling Nigeria to the seventh position in the overall medals table.
Shifting focus to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, the report highlighted Nigeria’s participation in Ski Sports and the successful qualification of one athlete through the continental representation quota. Dr. Marian Mkpo Odun’s scholarship to the IOC Diploma Course in Sports Medicine was also noted, a pivotal contribution to Nigerian sports medicine.
The report concluded by spotlighting events like Olympic Day celebrations, the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, and various seminars and workshops, emphasizing the Committee’s unwavering commitment to Nigerian sports’ growth and development.
Expressing profound gratitude to the Olympic Family, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Grand Patron of NOC, Gumel concluded by wishing the General Assembly fruitful discussions and extending warm wishes for the season ahead.
The report stands as a testament to the remarkable strides made in Nigerian sports throughout 2022, laying a solid foundation for future endeavors in Olympic sports within the country. Notably, the AGM re-appointed the Account Audit firm of Yerima & Associates for another term, marking a continuation of their collaboration.
