The die has been cast by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as they have announced the date of the elections into the various boards of National Sports Federations.
In less than a week, contestants and zonal representative will converge at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on 30th September, 2021 to elect who pilot the affairs of the Federations.
There is an adage that says “A good term deserves another” but this is not applicable in some instances. When the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (FMYS) dissolved the 36 sports federations last May, it resolved that elections into the board of various National Sports Federations will be held in September 2021.
If we are critical, some members of the dissolved board deserves to return due to their performances in reshaping the sports at the grassroots and international performances while others needs to be overhauled due to the dormant policies. The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in their wisdom had to retain some members of the dissolved board to continue in the capacity of caretaker committee in order not to create a vacuum.
Between June and September, some federations have attended Africa and World Championship. In fact, Nigeria won her first ever medal in the wrestling event (Blessing Oborodudu) at the Tokyo Olympics Games and the performances of Team Nigeria was decent.
The future of the development of sports lies in the hands of coaches and sports directors in the 36 states of the Federation including the FCT. We know those who can turn the fortunes of sports in the country; we know those who can make sacrifices for athletes to attend sporting event; we know those who can stick their necks out when the chips are down. It will be great if those are the ones who retain their positions or win the elections
This election should not be a do or die affair. Please, let us make the right decision in order for sports in Nigeria to get to the promise land
