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The Need To Retain Three-Term Tenure for Sports Federation Presidents
The debate over tenure limits for Presidents of Sports Federations in Nigeria has resurfaced, with some pushing for a reduction from the current three-term limit—set by the 2021 election guidelines—to just two terms.
While the call for reform may seem progressive on the surface, a deeper look reveals that maintaining the three-term structure is crucial for Nigeria’s long-term aspirations in global sports governance.
Experience and Influence Take Time
Leadership in international sports is not built overnight. Nigerian sports administrators require time to develop credibility, cultivate relationships, and gain the necessary influence to secure leadership positions at continental and global levels.
Two terms—typically spanning just eight years—are often insufficient for a federation president to make a significant mark beyond national borders. By the time they establish their presence and recognition within the African and international sports community, their tenure is nearly over, severely limiting their chances of ascending to influential global roles.
It is telling that only one Nigerian currently holds a continental sports presidency. While he is not a sitting federation president, his case is an exception rather than the norm. Strong-performing presidents, given adequate time, stand a far better chance of rising through the ranks and representing Nigeria on the global stage.
A Dubious Push for Change
Ironically, some of the loudest voices advocating for a two-term limit are individuals who previously held federation leadership positions for over 20 years. Their sudden shift in stance raises questions about the sincerity of their motives. If long tenures were beneficial during their time in office, why is it now a problem for others? This contradiction exposes a lack of moral justification for the push to shorten tenure limits.
Rather than restricting tenure, the focus should be on strengthening Nigeria’s sports electoral system. A well-structured process would ensure that non-performing presidents can be voted out, even after a single term, while high-achieving leaders are allowed to continue their impactful work.
Arbitrary tenure restrictions only serve to stifle progress and disrupt the continuity needed for meaningful international advancement.
The Risk of Weakening Nigeria’s Global Influence
Reducing the tenure limit would not only disrupt federation stability but also weaken Nigeria’s influence in world sports.
Many high-performing presidents would be cut off just as they begin to build strong international networks and gain recognition for leadership roles. This approach plays into the hands of competing nations that allow their sports administrators to rise through the ranks over extended periods, accumulating power and decision-making leverage on the world stage.
If Nigeria is serious about increasing its presence in global sports governance, we must empower our best leaders with the time and platform to compete effectively. A premature exit due to tenure restrictions only benefits our rivals while diminishing Nigeria’s standing in international sports politics.
The Way Forward: A Balanced Approach
While tenure limits should not be indefinite, a well-structured system must balance continuity with accountability. Federations with approved constitutions outlining tenure limits—whether two or three terms—should adhere strictly to their constitutional provisions. However, for federations without approved constitutions, the Ministry of Sports’ existing guideline of a three-term maximum should be upheld.
This approach ensures fairness while safeguarding Nigeria’s broader interests in global sports. Instead of imposing restrictive policies that undermine our potential, we should focus on building a transparent and effective electoral system that rewards performance, promotes stability, and secures Nigeria’s place in the corridors of international sports leadership.
Retaining the three-term tenure limit is not just about individual officeholders—it is about Nigeria’s future in global sports governance.
Featured
Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles
Joel Ajayi
At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.
Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.
What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.
Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.
In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.
Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.
“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”
She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”
The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.
Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”
For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”
Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”
Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.
Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.
Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.
With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.
Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.
“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.
He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.
“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”
Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.
“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”
He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”
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