Dr Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has congratulated Habu Gumel over his reelection as NOC boss at the Annual General Meeting and Elective Congress in Jalingo, on Dec. 15.
Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of NOC, who said this in a statement, quoted Bach as wishing Gumel a successful term, in his congratulatory letter from Lausanne, dated Dec. 20.
“Please allow me to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on your re-election as President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee on 15 Dec. 2022.
“My very best wishes for a successful term.
‘’The IOC looks forward to pursuing its fruitful collaboration with your NOC and remains fully at your disposal to continue to support and assist your NOC in performing its mission and daily activities.
‘’Wishing you and your NOC a happy and successful New Year 2023, I remain Thomas Bach,’’ the statement stated.
Earlier in the week, Habu Gumel sent words of appreciation to all delegates who took part in the recent elections in Jalingo where he was re-elected.
Gumel gave the appreciation in a statement on Monday in Awka by Tony Nezianya, NOC spokesman.
Gumel said the past and present presidents and secretaries generals of the various federations, as well as delegates, had been “wonderful“ in their contributions to the progress and success of the Nigerian Olympic Movement.
He thanked them for their support which resulted in his re-election, saying “you were all wonderful in your resolve to offer me another opportunity at the leadership of our Olympic Movement”.
“Your profound support will propel me to ensure that every single fellow is carried along. I will only ask you to help in every little way by contributing your quota to the growth and development of our NOC.
“That the congress turned out peaceful is due to your support and for which I thank you all immensely,” he said.
Gumel pointed out that elections were over and efforts of members of the Nigerian Olympic community should shift to coming together and working in unity to promote the ideals of the movement.
He paid a special tribute to Olabanji Oladapo, the retiring Secretary General of the NOC, whom he described as a worthy ambassador to the Olympic Movement in Nigeria.
