Sports Federations Draw Legitimacy From Nigeria’s Sovereignty – Sunday Dare

The Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has stated that sports Federations in Nigeria cannot be bigger than the country, because their legitimacy stems from the sovereignty of Nigeria.

Dare stated this during the inauguration of the Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

The Minister also said that the relationship between sports federations and governments should be constructive, collaborative and complementary and not antagonistic and adversarial.

“Whenever there is a departure (from collaborative relationships), it becomes clear that other interests over and above that of the sports and the athletes have crept in,” Dare said.

“Federations draw their legitimacy from the Federal Government of Nigeria and a sovereign Nigeria.”

• Read more: Nigeria’s Government To Inaugurate Interim Management Committee For Basketball

The Sports Minister added that whatever power the federations and their boards have, they only exercise them on the behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

He urged sports federations not to seek to take advantage of the  privilege of legitimacy they enjoy to denigrate the authority of the Federal Government before international organisations, and on the altar of enlightened self -interests.

The Interim Management Committee

Dr. Henry Nzekwu – Chairman
Udon Ubon Humapwa – Member
Frank Jituboh – Member
Zenith Bank Representative – Member
Prof. Adamu Ahmed – Member
Peter Nelson – Member
Grp. Captain Rahinatu Garba – Member
Aderemi Adewunmi – Member
Oluchi Nzekwe – Member
Seni Adio (SAN) – Member
Adewunmi Aderemi – Member