The inaugural annual convention of the NIAA took place on October 28, 2001 in Houston Texas.

convention photos

On October 28, 2000, Nigerian Athletes of all sports, both retired and currently performing, convened in Houston, Texas for two principal reasons: Firstly, to re-unite and re-acquaint with themselves once again. Secondly, to develop plans for improving the condition of Nigerian athletes, find ways and means to contribute positively to the development of sports in Nigeria and assist Nigerian youths to achieve their potential in sport. More than 60 athletes in diaspora attended the re-union. The NIAA was born at that re-union meeting.

At about 2 PM Houston time, Mr. Ruks Bazunu one of the organizing members, welcomed the athletes. Dr. Bruce T. Ijirigho said prayer and a moment of silence was held for deceased athletes and coaches. There was a brief introduction of the attendees to allow members to get to know each other.

At the end of self-introduction, Mr. Bazunu gave the history of sports in Nigeria. This was an attempt to educate and to remind the attendees of how sports has faired in Nigeria. The history then led us into the purpose of the convention.

Dr. Ijirigho at this point explained to the audience the reasons behind the Houston Convention. He emphasized that we must come together to change the direction of sports in Nigeria by acting as influencing group to sports governing body in Nigeria. This he said will move sport forward and create an environment that will benefit our current athletes.

Mr. Harrison Salami reiterated that athlete's welfare is of paramount importance. That we as athletes former and current must support one another financially, morally and emotionally. He went on to say that friendship and camaraderie is necessary to accomplish this goal. That we as a group must come together to stop the injustices done to Nigerian athletes by Nigerian officials. That in conjunction with the people at home, we must all decide who is selected to represent the country in all sports. Mr. Celestine Okwilagwe followed with the issue of networking and its importance for us both in the US and at home. Mr. Sule Alli spoke about the importance of representing the interest of the athlete as an organized force. He continued by saying that in order to use this organization to leverage our cause, we must search for excellence by avoiding mistakes and staying away from participating in illegal deals. He said that we must have passion, which he believes will lead the organization to "do the right thing". To have passion he said, we must put aside "self interest".

There were many other encouraging speeches, some encouraged athletes that are contemplating to quit not to do so. Others were directed at the corrupt officials of Nigerian sports who simply are interested in money and not in success of the athletes. Others spoke of "Ethnic Politics" of selecting athletes which boarders on nepotism. Some spoke of seeking new ways to sponsor our athletes with less dependence on the government. Some suggested that we must form an organization that must liaison with sister organizations in Europe and Africa. Others said that we as group have the resources among us to make champion athletes and we must seek for resources among ourselves. In conclusion to this part of the agenda, a speaker suggested that the old Hussy Shield competition must return. That there must be transparency in the selection of athletes, we must endeavor to sponsor a few athlete as a group or an organization. That we must communicate with the Minister of Sports about the status of Hussey Shield, Grier Cup, Powell Cup and other sports competitions in order to put back on track the framework of sports that we use to be proud of. Another speaker bemoaned that we must work with the newspapers in Nigeria and that we must have a secretariat if we chose to become an organized body. That we need sports director, consultants, lobbyists, psychologist etc that will make the organization viable.

After this general discussion, Mr. Bazunu called for a motion to form an organization. The motion carried unanimously to form an organization that will encompass all Sports.

Organization's Name
The Name of the organization was voted on and unanimously agreed to be called
NIGERIAN INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES ASSOCIATION (NIAA).

Caretaker Committee
A caretaker committee was appointed to oversea the business of the organization. The group that put together the Houston Convention was unanimously appointed to continue until election is held. They are Moses Ugbisien, Moses Adebanji, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, Celestine Okwilagwe, Bruce Ijirigho, Ruks Bazunu, Harrison Salami, Rose Jackson, Tutu Ogunde, Bose Oseni and Paul Emordi.

Charge
The committee was charged to accomplish the following:

• Drafting of Constitution to be voted on in the next convention.
  
• Registration of the organization and institute the process for 501C (3)
  
• Registration of Domain name and Website.
  
• Publishing at least one newsletter a year

Funding
The organization agreed that until a constitution is in place funding of the organization's expenses shall come from payment of the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) per athlete to the treasurer who will be selected by the Caretaker Committee. The amount is due to the treasurer as soon as the committee calls for the payment. All members on record including those who have the intent to become members must pay this amount.

Next Convention
The organization voted to hold the next convention in Phoenix, Arizona and set the date for the last weekend of October 2001.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM Houston time.

Photos from the Houston convention