Despite fruitless effort by some appointees of the state government to frustrate her tenure as the State chairperson of National Council of Women Society (NCWS), the Federal Government has dimmed Obongawan Mmeyene Nkwo fit to be a member of table tennis electoral committee in readiness for the forth coming election Into National sport Federation.
A clearer picture of the list shows that out of the thirty one categories of various sports, Mrs Nkwo stood out as the only Akwa Ibomite to be so appointed into the committee.
It will be recalled that Obongawan Nkwo in her youthful days has won various laurels for her community, local government area and state ranging from her involvement in table tennis game, chess, athletic among others.
Nkwo, is the wife to the late philanthropist George Nkwo, who has been father to the needy and downtrodden as well as provide succour to those within and outside the globe, a feature which made musicians in his days celebrate him in their music.
According to the Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung, members of the Electoral Committee were carefully chosen based on merit, experience and ability to deliver following wide consultations with the Nigeria Olympic Committee NOC.
Barrister Dalung advised the electoral Committee members to shun corrupt practices capable of marring the elections and deliver selfless service for the success of Nigerian sports generally.
“The Ministry is determined to deliver democratically elected National Federations which will move sports to the next level.
" In achieving this, we are guided by rules and regulations that are not only limited to us but inspired by International best practices.
“I therefore urge those contesting not to be distracted by desperate desires to undermine the ongoing reforms in the sector. However, we must concentrate on seeking genuine and credible support from the people for leadership.
“I urge you to resist any temptation of acting outside selfless service for our dear country. At trying moments like these, the call to duty can be Herculean but posterity will record our judgement positively. I congratulate the electoral committee members and wish them the best,” Dalung said.
Elections Congress for the election of Zonal Representatives, Vice Presidents and Presidents of National Sports Federations will proceed as rescheduled for 13th June, 2017 while the adjusted programme leading to the elections will be released in due course.
Meanwhile, the gesture by the Federal Government has triggered encomium from sports lovers, women, politicians, academia and youths as they describe her as a square peg in a square hole.
Reacting to the appointment, Prof. Windy Utuk of the University community thanked the federal government for the appointment expressing optimism that the nominee will justify the confidence repose on her.
In a congratulatory message made available to newsmen, a former member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara House of Representatives, Hon. Patty Etete Ineme said that it was a thing of joy for the contributions of Obongawan Nkwo to be recognized by the Federal Government noting that she was the best hand Ikot Ekpene could offer thereby extolling the government of Mohammadu Buhari led administration for always recognizing diligent contributors to sport development in Nigeria.
The committee has Barrister Hafiz Mohammed, chairman, while Chief Ugo Okeke and Obonawan Mmeyene G. Nkwo are members
Obongawan Mmenyene Nkwo is also a member of NATO.
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