The Ministry of Youth and Sports has given three National Sports Federations deadlines to hold their Congress to adopt and ratify their Constitutions.
The Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, gave the charge at a meeting in Abuja with Federations’ Presidents, Secretaries and Technical Directors, which deliberated on issues affecting the governance of National Sports Federations and Nigeria’s preparations and participation in the 12th African Games in Morocco and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The Handball Federation of Nigeria was given up till October 31, 2019 to hold its Congress to ratify its Constitution and submit same to the Ministry, while the Hockey Federation has up till May 18, 2019 to do same.
The Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria was given till July 31, 2019 to hold its Congress, ratify its reviewed Constitution and submit.
The Minister however commended Federations which complied, urging those yet to meet the deadline to ensure that they keep the dates approved for their Congresses as requested by them.
Dalung said: “I want to ensure that as we wind down in this administration, all Federations submit their duly ratified Constitutions to the Ministry after a Congress.
“Those Federations which fail to comply with the deadline to submit their Federation’s constitution have automatically applied for the dissolution of their boards.
“We will extend the date according to your request for grace and hope that all Federations comply with the deadline.”
Dalung advised Presidents of Federations to lead by example, cultivate team work and build trust amongst their Board members and Secretaries.
He also reminded them of the need to adhere strictly to democratic ethos by putting in place Constitutions in line with an earlier directive on the matter.
In other decisions taken, Chess was added to the 23 sports to be participated in by Nigeria at the African Games, while a closed camping for the Games will commence on July 5, 2019.
Following a plea by the President of Nigeria Golf Federation for the inclusion of the sport at the 20th National Sports Festival, all other interested National Sports Federations were advised to forward their requests for consideration and possible inclusion in the Festival.
Highlights of the two-day seminar was an enlightenment course by the National Anti-Doping Committee for the Federations on Anti-Doping compliance.
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