The Margaret Binga-led administration of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF has secured a deal with World Taekwondo that makes it free of charge for the Nigeria Taekwondo community to sign up or renew their membership to the World Taekwondo Global Membership System for Nigeria.

The World Taekwondo (WT) Global Membership System (GMS) initiative began in 2009 following a recommendation from Mr Hoss Rafaty, who at the time was the advisor to the WT President to Dr. Chungwon Choue, and presented the concept of creating a Global Taekwondo Database with the idea of centralizing the global taekwondo community into one online common platform.

The aim of the system is to provide administration efficiencies among all taekwondo organizations & provide a global standardized software solution for all WT`s National Federations and its members to use the software and services available through the platform.

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation had officially adopted the system as its database during its 2nd board meeting in 2017, under the leadership of its first female president Margaret Binga psc.

To complement the actions of World Taekwondo body, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation has also waived all 2020 annual dues for individual members, in order to further cushion the financial impact being felt by its members as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

Stunned reactions have trailed the release of this information with 65 practitioners already renewing their memberships and 80 new sign ups to the global membership system in the past 24 hours since the Federation’s announcement.

Several ex international players have also spoken out in appreciation of the federation’s decision.

Commonwealth Gold Medalist, Shola Olowookere, who was one of the 65 practitioners to renew his membership yesterday commended the Federation for the initiative.

“This is a commendable one.”

Current National bronze medalist, Dandy Ogbonna, who also took advantage to renew his membership expressed his pleasure.

“Kudos NTF, this is loud! Thank you, Madam President, for this good stride”

Secretary-General of NTF affiliated club, Fitness and Kickers Taekwondo Academy, Mr Ayoola Lasisis Bamidele also commented on the deal.

“Thank you for this milestone in the development of our arts”

2007 All African Games Middle weight competition, Ernest Orobor, who is the captain of the Nigeria Police team and chairman of the NTF Athletes committee, hopes Nigeria taekwondo practitioners will take advantage of the offer.

“Wow this is awesome. I hope our people will maximize this opportunity to sign up to the GMS system.”

Member of the World Taekwondo African Taekwondo body and former president of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Chief Jonathan Nnaji has implored practitioners to take advantage of the offer.

“This is a wonderful initiative and comes at the right time. I hope our athletes will catch on this wonderful opportunity and do the needful.”

Technical Director of the Federation, three-time Olympian Chika Chukwumerije spoke on the importance of the GMS system for the development of Taekwondo in Nigeria.

“The platform provides a fully integrated (one stop shop) system solution to manage all taekwondo related activity within the country. It allows Nigeria to increase efficiencies, reduce manual work and provide valuable data to assist in the growth and development of our sport.”

The combined package of waived annual dues and free GMS memberships will cost the federation over three million naira in potential revenues, but ensures sizeable savings for individuals that take advantage of this opportunity during this covid-19 pandemic that has caused financial hardships.