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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has showered encomiums on the president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, commending him for promoting health and wellness through the maiden edition of his propelled Olympic Marathon Walk tournament.
The NSC boss, who flagged off tournament in Abuja last weekend, described the initiative as a step in the right direction toward promoting national wellness and raising awareness through sports.
The event was organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in honour of Gumel, a former president of the association, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to both engineering and sports development in Nigeria.
Speaking to sports writers after the flag-off ceremony, Dikko also commended NSE for its visionary approach in combining professional excellence with physical fitness.
He said: “This marathon walk is not only a fitting tribute to Gumel, but also a commendable initiative that promotes health and wellness among Nigerians, especially members of the Engineering community.”
“This is a step in the right direction and aligns perfectly with the Commission’s commitment to encourage mass participation in sports for the benefit of national health,” he said.
In his assurance to the participants and organisers, he said; “the Commission will continue to support. There is no doubt that the NSC will be part of this again next year.”
Dikko equally lauded the NSE for honouring Gumel in such special way, describing the event as one that would leave a lasting legacy in both sports and professional circles.
Similarly, in her remarks, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, described Gumel as a towering figure in Nigerian sports whose lifelong dedication has made him “synonymous with sports” in the country.
“We began organising these games in 2011, and each year they keep growing in scale and significance. This year, we introduced the Habu Gumel Olympic Marathon Walk as a symbol of a new chapter in our collaboration with the Nigeria Olympic Committee. It is a partnership we are incredibly proud of.”
“Engr. Habu Gumel has long been a pillar in Nigerian sports. He has served as President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee for many years and continues to serve with distinction. He is also a revered past president of the NSEs, having held the position in 2001.”
Oguntala highlighted Gumel’s dual contributions to engineering and sports.
In his response at the event, highly elated Gumel expressed deep appreciation for the honour bestowed upon him, noting: “We are here with strong support from the leadership of Nigerian sports.”
“This marathon bearing my name is a great honour. It marks the beginning of something special an initiative I believe will grow stronger and more impactful with each passing year. I am delighted that the Chairman of the NSC is here with us today, alongside my dear friend and former NSC chairman.”
“I also want to thank NSC for the facilities provided for this event. Their support has been invaluable, and I am confident they will continue to back this initiative.”
“Today is not about long speeches, but about heartfelt gratitude. I sincerely thank the President of NSE and his entire Council for honouring me in this way. I deeply appreciate it and pray for blessings on everyone here. I pledge to continue supporting this initiative in every way I can,” Gumel noted.
