NAqF Unveils Swimming Programmes, Emphasises Grassroots Development

 

 

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

 

The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Chamberlain Dunkwu, has unveiled a comprehensive lineup of national swimming programmes and competitions scheduled for 2026, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to grassroots development and long-term growth of the sport.

 

The announcement was made on Monday during a press briefing held at the Media Centre, Package A, National Stadium, Abuja.

 

Addressing members of the press, Dunkwu disclosed that the federation has lined up three major grassroots-focused events aimed at strengthening the foundation of swimming in Nigeria.

 

The programmes include “Swim to the Future,” the first-ever Inter-School Swimming Competition, and the National Junior Swimming Championship, tagged “Swim for Life,” scheduled to take place in Lagos.

 

According to the NAqF President, the strategic focus on grassroots development is deliberate and central to the federation’s vision for the sport.

 

“Today marks a defining moment for aquatics development in Nigeria. We are not merely announcing events; we are unveiling a vision, a pathway, and a promise to the future of Nigerian swimming,” he stated.

 

Dunkwu emphasized that the federation has adopted a long-term, sustainable approach rather than chasing immediate results.

 

“We have taken a deliberate and strategic decision: the future of our sport must be built from the grassroots upward.

 

NAqF is investing vigorously in grassroots development — widening the base, strengthening school sports, improving competitive exposure, and building a system that consistently produces talent, not occasionally but continuously,” he added.

 

In a move to demonstrate leadership and personal commitment, the NAqF President announced that he would personally sponsor the ‘Swim to the Future’ programme, which is scheduled to hold in Abuja.

 

“We are not chasing short-term success. We are building a future-proof structure — one that develops athletes holistically, empowers coaches, strengthens technical capacity, and instills discipline and life skills through sport.

 

As executives, our impact must be felt in the lives of swimmers and technical officials. That is why I will personally sponsor the ‘Swim to the Future’ programme, with funds made available to ensure its successful delivery in March,”* he said.

 

As part of efforts to strengthen the federation’s branding, partnerships, and commercial viability, Dunkwu also formally introduced Thrive Resource Centre as the federation’s official marketing consultant.

 

Speaking at the briefing, Catherine Enaohwo, Founder and CEO of Thrive Resource Centre, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with the federation and outlined the organisation’s focus on sustainable funding and human capital development.

 

“We are honoured to be part of this journey that the current leadership is embarking on. Our strategy focuses on identifying swimmers at a young age, grooming them, and ensuring they receive the international exposure and recognition they deserve.

 

Our core focus is human capital development, and we are committed to securing consistent, long-term funding for the federation,”* she stated.

 

The initiatives align with NAqF’s broader objective of producing world-class swimmers, following in the footsteps of Abduljabar Adama, who recently made history as the first Nigerian and first Black swimmer to win a medal at the World Aquatics

 

Junior Championships.

Event Schedule for 2026:

 

Swim to the Future – Abuja | March 7, 2026

 

Inter-School Swimming Competition – March 25–27, 2026

 

National Junior Swimming Championship (Swim for Life) – Lagos | April 2–4, 2026