The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has commended the Tug of War Nigeria Federation under the leadership of Isaac Osaikhiwu for uplifting the sport to a higher level in the country.
NOC’s Secretary-General, Tunde Popoola gave the commendation, at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tug of War Nigeria Federation held on Wednesday at the NOC’s board room in Lagos.
Speaking, while declaring the AGM open, Popoola said the NOC is not surprised with the level of discipline in the sports which made it attractive to Military, Police and other Paramilitary organisations, urging them not to relent in moving the game to higher pedestal.
Popoola however reminded the Federation on the need of having a working constitution that will be in tune with democratic processes.
” I want to commend your Federation for your achievement over the years and for being a disciplined sport and we at the NOC hope you’ll sustain the momentum.
“It’s equally important that I remind you of the need to have an approved constitution which will be your working document that will be in tune with democratic principles.
” You should also realize that there will be challenges along the line, but I hope you will surmount them and continue to move the sports forward”, he stressed
Giving his score card, the President of the Federation, Isaac Osaikhiwu Isaac noted that when he took over the mantle of leadership about five years ago, the sports was like a child of necessity but with the corporation of the board members, he was able to make some notable achievements.
According to him, there are now five associations under the Tug of War Federation of Nigeria while chapters have been inaugurated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Kwara, Kano, Bayelsa and Kebbi states, positing that they also have a very close working relationship with the Nigerian Police Force.
He further explained that under his leadership, Nigeria for the first time, participated in the African Tug of War Championship in Namibia which was not only sponsored by the Nigerian Police but they also provided about 90 per cent of the athletes, with the country emerging champion; saying that Nigeria is expected to defend the title later this year in Zimbabwe.
The Federation boss also stated that on the home front, five championships were organised, the sports introduced in Nigerian Navy Games while there has been a very close working relationship with the Ministry of Sports Development even as he announced that discussion is at advanced stage between the Ministry and the Federation to make Tug of War a medal awarding sports at the National Sports Festival.
Isaac noted that plans are ongoing with the various state chapters to further take the sport to secondary schools as a way of ensuring grassroots development of the game which he says boosts of many medals.
” Our plan is to take the sports further to the grassroots especially to secondary schools where we can catch them young.
“You know that Tug of War have four different categories in both men and women with mixed pulling. So, there are a lot of medals in the game and that’s why it’s important that corporate organisations and governments at all levels take more interest in developing the game”, he stressed.
At the end of the AGM new members were elected to pilot the affairs of the Federation for the next four years with Isaac Osaikhiwu Isaac re- elected as the President.
Other elected board members are Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bashir Abubakar who emerged as the 1st Vice President and will be in charge of Marketing/ Promotion while Chairman of Nigerian Navy Tug of War, Rear Admiral Etop Ebe was elected 2nd Vice President with Abdulkareem. A. Macaulay returning as the Secretary General.
Also elected are; Babatoba Samuel (Technical Director), John Iduh (Head Coach), Tombri James (Assistant National Coach) and Mrs. Sola Ogundele (Treasurer).
Other board members are; Hajia Amina Dangaji, Ibrahim Umah, Daniel Ohioma, Jennifer Udeh and Musa Abdulahi while veteran journalist, Raymond Akparhuere will serve as the Public Relations Officer.
