NAATO Boss Pledges To Build Capacity

The newly elected Chairman of Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO), Rivers State Chapter, Chief Jacob N. Mekele, has said that capacity building will be at the front burner of his administration.
According to him, he will make relevant efforts to ensure every member has professional qualifications to officiate any athletic competition within and outside the State.
Mekele, who was returned unopposed for second term said this  in his opening speech during the association’s  quadrennial delegates conference and elections, held at Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
He explained that one of the biggest challenges of the association is that most members are yet to sit for their professional exams.
“In this new administration, we will focus on capacity building, to enable our members qualify to officiate national and international athletics competitions,” Mekele said.
He urged every member to be active and not to sit at home, saying that every official should be responsible for his or her duties.
“I know lack of interest is setting in because there is no competition, that does not mean you will not attend meetings. This is a new regime. I want every member to bring ideas that will move the association forward,” he stated.
At the end of the elections, Chief Jacob N. Mekele, was returned unopposed, Mrs Ibifuro Philip, vice chairman, Dr. Godwin E. Osalor, secretary and Ndah Jonathan, assistant secretary.
Others are Mrs Chioma Peace, treasurer, Wosu Okachukwu, financial secretary, Mr. Solomon Odikibo, PRO and Mr. Simeon Samuel, provost, while Golden Alalibo was elected welfare officer and Mrs Theresa Nwikekii, assistant welfare officer respectively.

By: Tonye Orabere