The National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated newly elected boards for Nigeria’s Para Sports Federations, charging them to drive the growth of para sports in line with the Commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE) agenda.
The elections, which produced new executives for seven para sports federations, were described by the Commission as free, fair and credible.
Among those elected, former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Opukiri Michael Jones-Ere, emerged President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, with Joshua Dauda Bungon as Vice President.
In the Nigeria Para Athletics Federation, Etti Rafiu Olawale was elected President, while Mohammed Musa Nafiu became Vice President.
Sports philanthropist Kingsley James Awodi was unanimously elected President of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation, with Chief Akutekwe Patrick (MON) emerging as Vice President.
The Nigeria Para Soccer Federation elected Alhaji Kaka Mallam as President and Sherifat Bola Araoye as Vice President.
For the Nigeria Para Swimming Federation, Adeyemi Adeshina Adeola emerged President, while Dr. Ahmed Alao was elected Vice President.
Muhammed Abbah Isa was elected President of the Nigeria Para Volleyball Federation, with Hon. Jim Okolo becoming Vice President.
Speaking during the inauguration, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described sports federations as the foundation of Nigeria’s sports development and urged the new boards to focus on building enduring legacies.
He said the Commission had provided the platform for the new executives to contribute meaningfully to the development of a sustainable sports economy, particularly within the para sports community.
Dikko noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda placed significant emphasis on sports development, stressing that para sports remain a critical component of that vision.
Also speaking, NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the newly elected officials and commended the calibre of individuals elected to lead the federations.
According to him, the outcome of the elections reflects the growing attractiveness of Nigeria’s sports sector to capable individuals who can contribute to the ongoing reforms.
Olopade reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to prioritising the growth of para sports, expressing confidence that the new boards possess the capacity to partner with the NSC in taking special sports in Nigeria to greater heights.
