- Wants AFN, NOC officials sanctioned
The Investigative Committee tasked with addressing Nigeria’s negative exposure at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games has recommended that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) pay a symbolic compensation of N8 million (approximately $5,000 USD) to athlete Favour Ofili. This recommendation comes as part of the committee’s comprehensive report.
The committee, led by prominent journalist Dr. Mumini Alao, was established by Senator John Owan Enoh, who subsequently postponed the public presentation of the report after being reassigned to another ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Alao stated that the committee received approval from the newly appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to release the report.
In a 54-page document, the committee highlighted the conflicting evidence regarding Favour Ofili’s omission from the women’s 100 metres event, pointing to potential lapses by various organisations, including the AFN and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
While the investigation found insufficient evidence to wrongly indict any specific organization, it concluded that AFN Secretary General Rita Mosindi displayed negligence in communicating Favour Ofili’s event status.
The report further recommends penalties for Mosindi and suggests that AFN’s Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, should be sanctioned for failing to act on information regarding Ofili’s registration.
The committee, therefore, urged the AFN to compensate Ofili for the distress caused by her omission, alongside calls for better governance and transparency among sports bodies in Nigeria.
“The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) by vicarious implication should pay the athlete, Favour Ofili, a symbolic compensation of N8million Naira only (about $5,000 US Dollars) for the disappointment and depression that she suffered on account of her omission from the women’s 100 meters event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” the committee report read in part.
Aside, the Committee also urged the NOC to caution two of its staffers found culpable in the Ofili Saga
“Mr. Samuel Fadele and Mr. Emmanuel Nweri of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) should be WARNED not to rely on social media applications as a means of important official communication in the future. Physical documents and/or Emails remain the acceptable standards for official communication.”
Central to the committee’s findings is the need for a written code of governance between the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Ministry of Sports Development.
This move is intended to enhance transparency and trust, preventing future controversies like the one that impacted Nigeria’s participation in the Games.
The committee has also advised all sports federations to develop specific codes of conduct for athletes and emphasized the importance of anti-doping measures. Furthermore, they recommended that the Ministry of Sports Development implement a private-sector-led funding approach to address the chronic issue of inadequate funding for Nigerian sports. This strategic shift aims to bolster grassroots sports development and improve the overall infrastructure necessary for athlete training and preparation.
