President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Habu Ahmed Gumel
President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Habu Ahmed Gumel, has been re-elected into the board of the sport's world governing body, FIVB Board of Administration.
Gumel, who had served in that capacity in the last four years was re-elected at the 33rd FIVB World Congress held at Anaheim, U.S. between September 19 and 21.
Currently Nigeria’s only member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Gumel also retained his seat on the 12-member FIVB Executive Committee as well as a member of the Finance and Administration of the international body.
“I feel great being returned to my previous position. I thank my friends and colleagues who have found me worthy to be returned unopposed,” he told NAN on a telephone.
“I have extracted a commitment from my colleagues on the board that FIVB will assist all 220 FIVB affiliate national federations with supply of equipment, training and coaching.
“I will ensure that African nations benefit from the largesse,” he vowed.
Meanwhile, a Brazilian, Dr Ary Silva Graça, 69, was at the congress elected as the new FIVB President.
He polled a total of 103 out of the 204 eligible votes to defeat two other candidates.
The Brazilian defeat the American Volleyball CEO, Doug Beal, who obtained 86 and Australia’s Volleyball Federation President, Chris Schacht 15.
No fewer than 206 participating federations took part in the election at which two votes were voided.
The former president, now Honorary President Jizhong Wei, said in his closing remarks: “I will like to congratulate you all for electing your new president and your new leading team. Now, a new era is opened by you and for you.
“I believe that 220 persons thinking is much better than one person as a so called dictator. Business it is much better with a lot of people, new ideas is much better with a lot of people,” he noted.
The FIVB Congress, ratified the new FIVB Board of Administration comprising 31 members, 29 elected by the continental confederation’s General Assembly and the gender in minority positions.
The 12 members of the board of administration are as follows:
Africa: Dr Amr Elwani (EGY), Habu Gumel (NGR),
Asia: Dr Saleh Bin Nasser (KSA), Essa Hamza Ahmad Al Failakawi (KUW),
Europe: André Meyer (LUX), Aleksandar Boricic (SRB),
NORECA: Cristobal Marte Hoffiz (DOM), Saul Castro Verdugo (MEX),
South America: Rafael Lloreda (COL), Roberto Escobar (PAR). Two co-opted members were selected for the upcoming World Championships: Carlos Magri (ITA) and Miroslaw Przedpelski (POL).