By Amaechi Agbo

The minister of Youth and Sports has given three National Sports Federations deadlines to hold their Congresses to adopt and ratify their Constitutions, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Barrister Solomon Dalung gave the charge at a meeting in Abuja with Federations’ Presidents, Secretaries and Technical Directors which deliberated on issues affecting the governance of National Sports Federations and Nigeria’s preparations and participation in the 12th All African Games in Morocco and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The Handball Federation of Nigeria was given up till October 31, 2019 to hold its Congress to ratify its Constitution and submit same to the Ministry while the Hockey Federation has up till May 18, 2019 to do same.

The Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria was given till July 31, 2019 to hold its Congress, ratify its reviewed Constitution and submit.

The Minister however commended Federations which complied, urging those yet to meet the deadline to ensure that they keep the dates approved for their Congresses as requested by them.

“I want to ensure that as we wind down in this administration, all Federations submit their duly ratified Constitutions to the Ministry after a Congress. Those Federations which fail to comply with the deadline to submit their Federation’s constitution have automatically applied for the desolution of their boards. We will extend the date according to your request for grace and hope that all Federations comply with the deadline”.

Barrister Dalung advised Presidents of Federations to lead by example, cultivate team work and build trust amongst their Board members and Secretaries. He also reminded them of the need to adhere strictly to democratic ethos by putting in place Constitutions in line with an earlier directive on the matter.