The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel has urged participants of the recently concluded Strategic Management Seminar to ensure that the experience and knowledge acquired during the two-day programme are usefully applied to the administration of their  respective sports federations.

Habu Gumel

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the NOC-organised sports seminar held at the National Institute for Sports at the Abuja National Stadium last week, Gumel said he hoped  the participants used the opportunity of the programme to broaden their understanding of the techniques of Strategic Management Planning.

Speaking against the backdrop of the generally perceived low depth in management matters of  not a few sports federations Secretaries Generals, Gumel, who is an Executive Committee member of the International Olympic Committee said the rigours of the course work and the hectic nature of the seminar have combined to raise the stakes for the secretaries, who are now expected to translate what they have learnt into the daily administration of their secretariats and athletes.

“From all indications, it is not an over-exaggeration to say that the two days programme have been quite hectic for you all as a result of the rigours of the sessions as well as brain storming theories and group work.

“I am quite optimistic that the entire course was quite resourceful and beneficial to you. It is hoped that you have all used this golden opportunity to broaden your understanding of the techniques of Strategic Management Planning.

“Going by the level of this seminar and the calibre of the expert assigned to coordinate and oversee its execution, I can only say that the stakes are high and our expectations of you equally tremendous”, added Gumel, who promised that the NOC will strive to explore all opportunities that will improve the career of athletes, coaches and administrators.

The NOC supremo expressed profound thanks to the special guest, Robert Mutsauki for taking the trouble to come to Nigeria for this programme and conduct the course.

The well attended two-day programme was attended by top officials from the Ministry including Hauwa Akinyemi, Director, Elite and Youth Development, Dr Simon Ebhojaiye, Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, Esther Aluko and  Dr Segun Akinlotan. Tunde Popoola, Scribe of the NOC led a powerful field that included Coordinator of Advance Sports Management Course, Odijie, Manager Admin and Logistics, Oluwakemi Obidahunsi, Youth and Development Augustine officer, NOC.