The International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, has commended Godwin Kienka for his book, Sports in Nigeria – Going Round in Circles.
In a letter, dated 26th July, Thomas Bach said “Thank you very much for sending me two copies of your newly released book, Sports in Nigeria – Going Round in Circles, which i look forward to reading. Your dedication and your kind words at the beginning of the book are especially appreciated.”
Kienka had dedicated the very topical 404 page book to the IOC President and his team. The dedication which waxed poetic went thus:
“This book is dedicated to Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee President and his team for mirroring in unmistakable terms the true spirit of determination, resilience and endurance by successfully staging the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021 in the midst of the Covid – 19 pandemic, in spite of the oppositions, protests, ‘super-spreader fears and other financial challenges.
“You are a lesson in positivity and undying, unflappable belief in one’s ability to deliver. That again , is the Olympic spirit flying through the storm to meet the sunrise on a white horse back.”
Besides the appreciation of the dedication, Bach went on the say, “It is clear from your writing that we both agree that sports is the biggest source of youth engagement and empowerment in the world.”
The book has gotten similar positive reviews nationally and internationally and according to the author the entire book can be summarised in one sentence:
“Anyone and everyone who has wondered why Nigeria with its enormous resources and potential in sports has been unable to go from ‘potential to results’ will find the answer after diligently reading from cover to cover.’
Sports in Nigeria – Going Round in Circles, is the third book by the author who is a Fellow of the International Institute of Management Consultants. The first, Sports Administration in Nigeria was launched by MKO Abiola of blessed memory in 1990 while the second launched in 2007 by Senator Olusola Saraki, also of blessed memory, was titled, “Youth engagement and Empowerment Through Sports.”
