The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod has congratulated the newly elected executives of Nigeria Athletes Commission (NAC).

Former D’Tigers Captain, Olumide Oyedeji was elected as the Chairman of Nigeria Athletes Commission (NAC), while Henry Okorie, Players Representative on the board of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Emmanuel Jatto and Blessing Onyali were elected on Tuesday.

Nimrod charged the newly elected executives of NAC to use their position for the betterment of athletes across all sports.

He urged the members to sensitize athletes on the disadvantage of using ban substance while competing for the country.

Nimrod said, “I am congratulating the executives of Nigeria Athletes Commission on their successful election and we hope more sports will qualify to Paris 2024 Olympic during your tenure.

“Olumide Oyedeji is an elite athlete who have traveled round the globe though sports and I am confident the Nigeria Athletes Commission will witness a huge turn around.

“This is also the time for the executives to educate and sensitize their top athletes as well as junior athletes on the dangers of using ban substance. It is our desire that the flag of Nigeria is hoisted during medal presentation at international championship”, he added

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 told the executive to preach oneness to every athletes competing for the country.

The Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare has received members of the Nigerian Olympics Association in audience with a promise to give them an inclusive role in mentoring younger athletes.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister said “The gold is in the child, I have made this statement repeatedly because the grassroots sports is where the talent can be discovered and nurtured to stardom. I believe in grassroots which is why principal cup is one of my projects to revalidate grassroots sports. We have started a nursery for development of our sports.

“As Olympians, your legacies can only last when you are able to groom new Olympics medalists. You must mentor younger athletes. If we organize an Olympics camp once in a year where young people will train, it would attract a large number of young people.”

The Minister further said “We intend to set up special fund for athletes which would provide funds for training, facilities and credit line. We shall create opportunities for our sports people to thrive”

In his response, President of the Nigerian Olympians Association Olumide Oyedeji said “Our aims and objectives include relating with governmental and the sports Ministry to take Nigerian sports to higher ground and assist sports men and women to reach their potentials.”

Signed

Media office of the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development

Legendary  footballer Teslim Thunder Balogun,  Ace  radio commentators Mazi Ernest Okonkwo, Dr Larry Izamoje, Sports Philanthropist Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Moshood  Abiola, Chief Adebutu Kesington  among others also made the icons list.

Notable personalities that graced the memorable event include :

1. Engr. Abubakar Aliyu FNSE – Hon. Minister of State Federal Ministry of Works and Housing
2. Otunba Niyi Adebayo(CON) – Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.
3. Dr. Senator Adeleke –  Hon. Minister of State for Health.
4. Dr. (Mrs.) Ahmed S. Zainab – Hon. Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning.
5. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(FMI) –  Minister Interior.
6. Sharon Ikpeazor – Minister of State for Environment.

Below are the names of the unveiled 60 Sports Icons

1. Chioma Ajunwa 
2. Mary Onyali
3. Jighere Wellington
4. Odion Aikhoje
5. Duncan Dokiware
6. Austin Okocha
7. Kanu Nwankwo 
8. Feyisetan Are
9. Blessing Okagbare
10. Garba Lawal
11. Lucy Ejike
12. Falilat Ogunkoya/Atlanta 96 Women’s 4x400m Quartet
13. Sunday Bada/Sydney 2000 Men’s 4x400m Quartet
14. Football Dream Team, Atlanta 1996 Olympics
15. Emmanuel Amunike
16. Chika Chukwumeriji
17. Davidson Ezinwa
18. Odunayo Adekuoroye
19. Modupe Oshikoya
20. Peter Konyegwachie
21. Olusoji Fasuba
22. Nduka Ugbade/Sebastine Broadricks Emasuen/1985 GOLDEN EAGLETS
23. Hogan Bassey
24. Dick Tiger
26. Samuel Peters
27. Barcelona 92′ quartet (Men’s 4x100m Relay)
28. Funke Oshonaike
29. Segun Odegbami
30. D’Tigress
31. Segun Toriola
32. Roland Ezuruike
33. Mayegun Nojeem
34. SAM IGUN
35. Israel Adesanya
36. Super Eagles 1994
37. Olumide Oyedeji
38. Blessing Oborududu
39. Tompraba Grikpa
40. Chidi Imoh
41. Christian Chukwu 
42. Ajibola Adeoye
43. Stephen Keshi
44. Atanda Musa
45. Muda Lawal/Emmanuel Okala/Green Eagles 1980
46. Daniel Amokachi
47. Rashidi Yekini
48. Teslim Thunder Balogun
49. Perpetual Nkwocha
50. Super Falcons
51. Power Mike
52. Flora Ugwunwa
53. Lauretta Onye
54. Sam Okwaraji
55. Nduka Odizor
56. David Izonrite
57. Chief MKO Abiola
58. Dr. Larry Izamoje
59. Mazi. Ernest Okonkwo
60. Alh. Aliko Dangote
61. Chief Sir Kesington Adebutu