Former Team Nigeria captain and NBA star, Olumide Oyedeji has been re-elected president of the Nigerian Olympian Association at its Elective Congress in Akure, Ondo State.
The congress outlined the election of the new executive to be led by Oyedeji as a milestone to herald the continued strengthening of the Olympics family in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the position of the first Vice President went to Lawrence Iquaibom, who competed at the 1984 and 1986 Olympics.
Retired quarter-miler and queen of the track, Falilat Ogunkoya emerged as the second Vice President.
A member of the 1996 gold medal Dream Team, Emmanuel Babayaro was elected as the General Secretary and Ekuta Catherine Ewa who competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics was voted in as the Assistant Secretary while the post of Treasurer went to Emmanuel Oshomor.
Others elected members include Mary Mpolulu Nwachukwu, who was a member of the Team Nigeria handball team at the Barcelona ‘92 Olympics.
She emerged as the Financial Secretary. Former national judo champion, Suleiman Edibo Musa, was elected publicity secretary while Juliana Negedu Akhare was elected as the welfare officer for the 2022 to 2026 term of office.
Also, the oath of office was issued by Victoria Nlenugbo, who was also the electoral chairperson while the certificates of return were presented by the representative of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Kemi Ogundahunsi.
Speaking to the congress, Oyedeji thanked all members for the confidence reposed in the new members of the executive, which resonated through their votes. He promised to run an open and all-inclusive administration that will better the lots of all Nigerian Olympians.
“To walk fast, you can walk alone, but if you want to walk far, you have to walk with people. This is the dawn of another era where we have another opportunity to build on things done in the past. I call on all Olympians home and abroad to join hands to ensure that the efforts of our heroes are not forgotten.”
