Sports

NOC Congress 2022…..We Stand by Gumel!

Published

4 years ago

December 14, 2022

…By Concerned Stakeholders.

Come Thursday 15th December, 2022, the healthy and fast-growing future of the Olympic movement in Nigeria shall be further secured, sustained and fortified as we gather to re-elect Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel as president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC at the congress in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.

Our collective resolve to re-elect Engr Gumel is anchored on the basis and principles of hardwork, dedication, devotion, focus, transparency and unassuming penchant for carrying everyone along in the nation’s Olympic movement in particular and growth and development of sports in the country in general.

We have taken time and space, in our first article published on the 11th of this month to register our pulse against detractors of Engr Habu Gumel ahead of thursday’s elective congress in Jalingo. In that article, we sought to know ‘who is afraid of Habu Gumel’? While that question is yet to be attended to by the faceless and cowardly detractors, perhaps it is time to let you know why they are constantly afraid of Engr Habu Gumel, hence their bitter and frustrated resolve to stop a moving train.

The reasons are not far-fetched as they are not unconnected to the administrator’s sterling and excellent achievements on the saddle. We definitely have not forgotten that the following landslide achievements in Nigeria Olympic movement are credited to Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel, the quintessential sports administrator:

NOC Secretariat building in Lagos.

Renovation of all structures, interior and exterior with quality landscaping, thereby making it befitting of an international organisation.

Equipping the various offices with state-of-the-art information technology facilities, replacement of all air-conditioning units and various other fixtures and fittings for smooth operation of work by staff and others alike.
Developing the Olympafrica centre in Amuwo Odofin Lagos, which is now ready for commissioning alongside the multi-purpose plateau for various sports as well as the indoor sports hall.
NOC land in Abuja.

Under Engr Habu Gumel, the NOC secured the partnerships of both the International Olympic Committee IOC and Association of Olympic Committees of Africa ANOCA in acquiring land for the building of the NOC Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

ANOCA Secretariat building.

The Engr Habu Gumel-led NOC piloted the process that led to the delivery of ANOCA Secretariat building in Abuja, by engaging the Federal government of Nigeria, through the federal Ministry of youth and sports development.

Visit of IOC President to Nigeria.

Under the watch of Engr Habu Gumel, the NOC facilitated the historic visit of IOC President Thomas Bach to Nigeria for the commissioning of ANOCA Secretariat building in Abuja. On that occasion, the visitor promised to donate a spectator arena to NOC partner school, Aduvie International School, which has been completed, commissioned and delivered to the school.

Engr Gumel’s administration saw to the provision of Olympic scholarships worth US$414,240 to 19 Nigerian athletes which led all of them to qualifying for the Tokyo 2022 Olympic Games, with 2 of them clinching Silver and Bronze medals for Nigeria. The list includes Oluwatobilola Amusan, Ese Brume, Aruna Quadri amongst others.
In addition, a Team Support Grant of US$75,000 to Basketball and Hockey which contributed to the qualification of both the national male and female basketball teams to Tokyo Olympic Games.
Engr Habu Gumel’s administration facilitated various local and international trainings for Nigerian coaches, Sports Medicine professionals, Military and Para-military officials, Sports Journalists as well as provided Olympic education curriculum for various Nigerian universities, Secondary and Primary Schools.
This is in addition to the inauguration of the NOC-IOC
Women Commission to compliment the roles of women in sports administration and Olympic movement.
Winter Olympic Games. Under Engr Gumel, Nigeria made her debut appearance at a Winter Olympic Games as she took part in Bobsleigh and Skeleton Events at the 2018 edition in Peongyang, South Korea.
That was the first time for the African continent.
In the 2022 edition in Beijing, China, Nigeria also took part in the Cross-country Skiing.

The above-mentioned are some of the milestones recorded by the NOC under the watch of the seasoned administrator whom we have chosen to re-elect as president, this Thursday, December 15, 2022 in Jalingo.

It is only natural, sensible, progressive and productive to support his mission and vision of elevating sports and the Olympic movement in Nigeria for our good and that of coming generation.

Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel has been and will always be responsive to the nation’s aspirations towards global sporting greatness.

Another four years as president of NOC is the way forward.
You can take that to the bank.

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Sports

13 DAYS TO GO: Abuja Is Ready For Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International half Marathon

Published

4 hours ago

November 2, 2026

The Gleamer

It’s 13 days to the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International half Marathon, and Nigeria’s capital is about to show the world what it is made of. The clock is ticking, the streets are being prepared, and the medals are waiting as the capital gears up for one of its biggest days.

Organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the race has grown into one of Nigeria’s biggest and most respected road races. Elite athletes, recreational runners, fitness lovers, corporate teams and families from across Nigeria and beyond are all coming to run in the Federal Capital Territory.

It is not just about the race. It is about athletics, fitness, entertainment and sports tourism, and what Abuja represents to the world. What started as a marathon is now a movement. A movement for healthy living. A movement for youth engagement. A movement for national unity. Every year, thousands of people take to the streets of Abuja not just to run, but to be part of something bigger than themselves. This year will be no different, only bigger.

The Managing Director/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, has assured that this year’s edition will build on past successes and meet international standards.

“We are focused on athlete welfare, world-class logistics, medical support, security and a memorable experience for runners, volunteers, spectators and partners. This year’s race will be bigger, better and more immersive for everyone.”

With improved route management, entertainment zones along the course, better medical and security arrangements and a richer spectator experience, the 2026 edition promises to deliver a day of competition and celebration that promotes healthy living, youth engagement and sports tourism in the nation’s capital.

On race day, Abuja will come alive. From the early morning start to the final finish, the streets will be filled with energy, music, colour and cheers. Hotels will be full. Businesses will thrive. The city’s hospitality, tourism and creative sectors will feel the impact. It is a day when Abuja shows the world its beauty, its organization and its spirit.

Whether you are an elite athlete chasing a podium finish and a personal best, or a first-time runner chasing a healthier life, this race is for you. Whether you are running for fitness, for fun, for family or for fame, there is a place for you on the road.

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