The Nigerian International Athletes Association (NIAA) was established by Nigerian athletes of all sports in Houston, Texas in October 2000. The mission of the NIAA is to provide Nigerian youths with the support needed to achieve greatness for themselves and our dear country in the international sports arena. The second objective of NIAA is to foster goodwill and comradeship among former Nigerian sportsmen and women all over the world. NIAA is ready and willing to work with sports organizations, associations and corporate bodies anywhere in the world as long as the relationship is mutually beneficial and furthers the mission of the NIAA. The NIAA is currently developing programs that will be implemented to further its mission.
The NIAA believes strongly that in order for Nigeria to achieve sustainable greatness in international sports, sportsmen and women must be well trained, properly cared for, provided with all the amenities needed to excel, and made the centerpiece of all plans. They should be put in the drivers seat because without them there will be no administrators or officials. Nigerian sports officials and administrators should become truly sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the vulnerable, young men and women who have dedicated themselves to bring honor to Nigeria around the world. After all these years, Nigerian sports deserve men and women of integrity and accountability, who can be counted on to honor their written and spoken words and who must treat our young athletes as they would their own children.
The embezzlement of funds and lack of accountability has taken away money required for assisting the athletes and implementing meaningful development programs for Nigerian sports in recent years. The sports polity should be wiped clean of the “rotten eggs” so that Nigerians can enjoy a level of success that is commensurate with their investment in the sports sector
The resolution of these two issues will immediately stop the defection of our athletes to other countries and set the stage for great sports achievements for Nigeria in international sports. Nigerian sports administrators and the press are invited to the 3rd Annual NIAA Convention to be held in Seattle, Washington from October 25th to 27th, 2002.
Please refer all questions and enquiry to the following:
Bruce Tajinere Ijirigho, Ph.D.,br /> President NIAA: brucei@netvalue.net
Harrison Salami,
Secretary: nosatah@coserv.net.
Suleiman Alli
Public Relations Officer and Athletes Coordinator: tolbert7@hotmail.com