The newly inaugurated board of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation has pledged to transform water sports development and nurture talent from riverine communities across the country.
A renewed wave of optimism has swept through Nigeria’s sports community following the inauguration of the newly constituted board of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation (NAqF), a milestone expected to redefine the trajectory of aquatic sports in the country.
The ceremony, held in Abuja, gathered sports administrators, athletes, and stakeholders eager to witness what many described as a turning point for Nigeria’s aquatic future.
In a unanimous election, Dunkwu Chamberlain Nnamdi emerged as President of the Federation, winning all available votes unopposed, a reflection of the confidence and trust reposed in his leadership vision.
Nigeria’s Aquatic Potential
In his inaugural speech, Dunkwu vowed to reposition the federation and expand opportunities for young athletes, particularly from riverine communities often overlooked in national sports development.
“We are blessed as a nation with enormous aquatic potential, from the riverine areas of the Niger Delta to the lakes and coastlines of the North and West,” Dunkwu stated. “Our mission is to harness that natural advantage, nurture raw talent, and attract sponsors who share our dream of making Nigeria a continental and global force in aquatic sports.”
He underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, capacity building for coaches and officials, and increased participation in international competitions to raise the federation’s global profile.
New Board Members
Supporting Dunkwu’s leadership is Abdul-Hassan Magaji, representing the North West, elected as 1st Vice President, and Adebayo Abdul Rasaq Owolabi (WOPA) from North Central as 2nd Vice President.
Other board members include:
- Babatunde Fatayi-Williams – International Representative
- Jesimiel Nseobong Samuel – Technical Representative
- Odobeatu Joseph Anayo – South East Representative
- Babatunde Henry Omoyele – South West Representative
- Labake Oriretan – Institutional Representative
- Suleiman Usman Omeize – NAPHER-SD Representative
- Yori Florence – NAWIS Representative
- Eric Williams – Athlete Representative
- Obia Inyengiyekabo Lenienu Affan – Representative Member
- Minabowan Clement Sunday – South South Representative
- Kyari Mohammed Maina – North East Representative
- Taiwo Oriss – Secretary-General
Future of Aquatic Sports
Stakeholders say the inauguration signals a new era for Nigeria’s aquatic ecosystem, which has long suffered from neglect, poor infrastructure, and limited sponsorship.
With Dunkwu’s emphasis on grassroots development and inclusive participation, expectations are high that Nigeria will soon regain its footing on the continental and global stage.
For now, all eyes are on the new board to deliver on its promise, turning Nigeria’s waterways into breeding grounds for champions.
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