By: Kagana Amshi, Damaturu
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (MYSD) has established a committee to investigate the various negative exposures experienced by Nigerian athletes during the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The committee, chaired by Dr. Mumuni Alao (South-West), comprises six other members.
The committee members include Dr. Abubakar AbdulRaham Ago, (North East), Aliyu Mohammed (North West), Hajia Rakiya Muhammed (North Central), Godwin Enakhena (South-South), Christy Opara (South East), and Barr. Victor Okangbe (South-South).
One of the key issues to be investigated is the controversial omission of Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili from the women’s 100m list at the 2024 Olympics.
This incident sparked significant outcry back home after Ofili revealed her exclusion on social media.
Additionally, reports have surfaced that the women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, was barred from boarding the country’s boat for the Games’ opening ceremony.
Furthermore, boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore was removed from the women’s 60kg class after testing positive for a banned substance.
To address these and other negative occurrences, the Ministry has tasked the seven-member committee with uncovering the root causes of these incidents.
The committee is expected to provide a comprehensive report on any issues arising from Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Media Centre, MKO Abiola Stadium Package A, Abuja.
The terms of reference for the newly constituted authority were also provided during the inauguration.
