The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has set up a 6-man Constitution Review Committee.
According to Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of NOC, the appointment of committee members took place during its inauguration ceremony on Friday, February 9, 2024.
This committee is tasked with reviewing and updating the 23-year-old constitution of the NOC, operational since 2001.
The NOC constitution is considered a sacred book and serves as a guiding document for the committee’s day-to-day operations.
It outlines the executive activities of the NOC, which includes the presidents of all Olympic sports and partners such as the Federal Government and sponsors.
Nezianya notes that the constitution review exercise is seen as a fundamental requirement for good governance and best practices, especially within the Olympic Movement circles.
The committee members were reminded that the constitution is available to them as a guide and that it must be adapted to meet the demands of emerging trends in sports and the Olympic Movement.
The committee members were announced, with Mr. Hussaini Garun-Gabas, SAN, appointed as the chairman.
The other members include Mr Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, Prof. Mariam Suleiman, Mr Emmanuel Agwu, Mr Tunde Kareem, and Mr Emmanuel Nweri.
Engr. Gumel, the president of the NOC, emphasized that the selection of committee members was based solely on merit.
He acknowledged their competence, vast experience in legal matters, and their contributions to sports and general administration.
The inauguration of the Constitution Review Committee marks an important step for the NOC in ensuring effective governance and keeping up with the evolving landscape of sports and the Olympic Movement in Nigeria.
Through this review, the committee aims to strengthen the NOC’s mission and vision and enhance its ability to support and promote Nigerian athletes on the international stage.
The terms of reference include accessing the potency or impact of the NOC as currently in force since 2001 and making recommendations for amendment, where necessary.
”You are to request major stakeholders in the Olympic Family, indeed only the Olympic Sports, to submit Memoranda on their contribution to the proposed amendment.
More importantly, the NOC, which is also an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member said: ”Your Committee is to produce and submit a draft copy of a Constitution in review to the President NOC for onward transmission executive Committee, Executive Board, the GE Assembly and the IOC.
They are expected to turn the on or before August 30, 2024.
Responding during the inauguration, the Chairman of the committee, a senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), Hussaini Garun-Gabbas gave assurances that the committee would deliver on its mandate by engaging necessary stakeholders.
Secretary-General of NOC, Tunde Popoola hailed the Committee members for their high level of trust and confidence reposed in them for the assignment.
