The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) during its board meeting which is part of their Annual General meeting on Wednesday hosted its first Patrons Forum.
The objective of this Forum is to further highlight our roles, expectations as Patrons of the Olympic and Commonwealth movement amongst other vital issues that is affecting our sport.
HRM Oba Saheed Elegunshi was appointed as the Chairman of the NOC Patrons Forum. The delighted Royal majesty thanked everybody present in his acceptance speech and pledged his total commitment to the course of the Olympic movement.
Some of the Patrons in attendance were His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, Rt. Hon Marc Wabara, Mrs kofo Nwokedi and Maj. Gen. Adamu Dyeri.
Also, the NOC set up a four-man investigative panel to mediate in the crisis rocking the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Phemmy Adetula, Public Relations Officer of NOC said in Abuja that the panel has Barrister Francis Orbih, President of Badminton Federation as chairman with Binga Margaret, President, Taekwando federation, Toyin Aluko and Emmanuel Nweri as secretary.
According to Adetula, the NOC cannot afford to close its eyes to happenings in the AFN. The Olympic movement and solidarity is known for peaceful co-existence. So, for this simple fact, athletics as a sport including other federations in the country must enjoy a peaceful environment without any rancour as they prepare for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan next year.
He said the committee was mandated to report its findings within the shortest possible time to NOC.
The Annual General meeting of the NOC will take place today Thursday December 12th at the Starview Palace Hotel in Abuja.