The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has again put behind the problems that militated against the smooth running of its activities following the ratification of the Federation’s Constitution of the elected board led by Dr Ademola Olabisi Are by the Congress on Thursday in Benin City, Edo State.
With this, NRFF has taken a giant step towards getting re-admitted into the International Rugby Union who had mandated the Nigerian body to hold its Annual General Congress and ratify its constitution without further delay.
Consequently, at an extra-ordinary Annual General Meeting attended by delegates from the various State chapters, and representatives of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and a representative of the Continental Governing Body, Rugby Afrique, the Federation finally adopted the constitution in line with the World Body’s directive.
Speaking after the meeting, the elated boss of NRFF, Dr Ademola Are thanked the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare for his support and passion for the growth of Rugby in Nigeria. “I feel relieved at this stage because if we had failed, we would have been back to square one. A country that is not Internationally recognised is not going to live up to its full potential,” he remarked.
He commended members of the board and stakeholders for their show of solidarity and said the board is now set for business and hope to actualise most of its programme this year following the interest of several corporate bodies who are waiting in the wings the moment our International body endorses the legitimacy of the present board. He also thanked our sponsor, Chief Mike Itemuogbur, CEO Padmozi Marketing for his contribution towards the hosting of the Extraordinary Congress.
On her part, Mrs Grace Iyorhe who represented Rugby Afrique said she was happy with the smooth conduct of the General Assembly. “This is what we have been waiting for, Rugby is set to open a new chapter in Nigeria and we will be happy to welcome the Country back to the International fold.
She however said that she would have to submit a report to the continental body and believes the outcome would be positive based on the successful outcome of the Congress. She assured Nigerian Rugby stakeholders that she is positive that the ban will be lifted soon.
