The President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, says under his leadership several of the country’s top athletes have enjoyed regular scholarships to better their performances.
Gumel, who is gunning for a re-election in the NOC polls slated for December 15 in Jalingo, Taraba State, said the two Nigerian athletes who excelled at the 2022 World Athletics Championships Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume were under the sponsorship of the Olympic body.
He noted that the NOC as an organ of the Federal Government, placed the duo on a scholarship programme since 2018, with an annual stipends till date.
Working in concert with the sports ministry and the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, the NOC president hinted that Amusan and Brume were among the 14 Nigerian athletes that would continue to receive NOC support till Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
According to Gumel, the scholarship fund is from the IOC Solidarity Fund secured by the NOC.
“We have 14 of our notable Grade A athletes on this scheme and we have never failed to give them their training and school grants,” he said.
Gumel added that if re-elected he would get more grants for other top athletes.
The NOC boss added that there were concrete plans to develop the NOC property in Lagos, while the body would also secure an office in Abuja for better operations.
Contact: [email protected]
