By Oluwole Francis
The House Committee on Sports emphasized its commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s best performance at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, steering clear of any internal conflicts. The committee’s chairman, Hon. Ekene Adam, made this clear after rescheduling a meeting with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in Abuja to assess the country’s preparations.
Hon. Adam clarified that the committee’s sole focus is on advancing sports in Nigeria, despite some perceptions of internal strife. He underscored that President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the positive impact of sports on Nigerians. Consequently, the committee is determined to engage closely with the NOC to ensure thorough preparation for the Olympics, recognizing the seriousness of the event.
“Nigerians are eager to hear about our Olympic preparations,” Adam noted. “President Tinubu, who values the unifying power of sports, has demonstrated his commitment to elevating the country’s sports profile. We expect the NOC to brief us on their readiness for the games.”
Hon. Adam insisted on the NOC president’s presence at the next meeting, expressing disappointment over the absence of Engr. Habu Gumel, who was represented by Vice President Chief Solomon Ogba at the National Assembly Complex. The committee issued a five-day ultimatum for Gumel to appear before the House and provide a comprehensive update on Nigeria’s Olympic preparations.