Rio Olympics: NOC unveils Wakanow as authorised reseller

The Nigeria Olympic Committee on Tuesday announced tour and hospitality services provider, Wakanow, as Nkigeria’s sole authorised ticket provider for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The right empowers the tours firm to sell the Olympic tickets and also arrange approved and easy passage for Nigerians desirous to be in Brazil for the Games, which will hold from August 5 to 21.

At the ceremony held at the National Stadium in Lagos yesterday, the NOC president, Habu Gumel, described the partnership as part of its programmes to ensure that Nigerians got smooth access to the tickets and every other thing linked with the games.

Gumel said the decision to reappoint Wakanow following their first deal for the London 2012 Olympics was based on the company’s performance and competence in the travels industry.

The NOC secretary general, Tunde Popoola, said the deal would enhance Nigeria’s participation at the 2016 Olympics because Wakanow had the capability to transport Nigerian fans to all the venues.

He said, “We had the same partnership in 2012 and we are happy that we have a partner that believes that the NOC should be bigger and better than it is. The IOC is aware of our partnership with Wakanow.”

Wakanow’s Managing Director, Obinna Ekezie, said his firm had acquired the experience to improve upon the London 2012 Olympics and the 2014 World Cup experiences.

  He said: “We are keen in this partnership because we have very hardworking and knowledgeable people manning the NOC. We have over 30 outlets across the country where people can go to access the tickets and key into our packages for the Olympics.  We are working closely with the airlines to take care of the difficulty with connectivity in Brazil.”

  Ekezie said Wakanow has created a platform that would afford those who want to pay in instalment to do so.