NOC Inaugurates Safeguard Commission To Promote Safe Sport

In a bid to meet the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) drive for a safe sporting environment; the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has inaugurated its own Safeguard Commission.

Since 2004, the IOC has been promoting safe sports, and as a member of the Olympic Movement, the NOC is dedicated to upholding this commitment.

The Safeguard Commission is tasked with promoting and aligning with IOC best practices on safe sports to protect athletes and entourage coaches, officials and others from harassment and abuse within the sporting environment.

This includes physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse as well as neglect and discrimination, making sports safe for All before, during and after sporting events and activities.

In inaugurating the commission, NOC President Habu Ahmed Gumel said the commission will work to prevent harassment, abuse, and discrimination in sports.

He said the commission will also among other things provide support and resources to athletes and stakeholders affected by misconduct, foster a culture of reporting and investigation of allegations, collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement effective safeguarding policies.

He assured that the NOC is committed to provide a safe and supportive environment for all athletes and stakeholders.

“The inauguration of the Safeguard Commission marked an important step toward achieving this goal,” Gumel said.

Seven professionals who attended the IOC International course on safeguarding and are certified safeguard sports officers are members of the commission.

Among them are Dr Olajide Adebola, Mr Femi Abioye, Ms Justina Erezi and Dr Oluwaseun Nariwoh. They are drawn from National Sports Federations chaired by Dr Olajide Adebola.