Nigeria Aquatics Federation Names Committees for 2025–2029 Board Cycle

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso,

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has officially announced the composition of its Board Committees for the 2025–2029 administrative cycle, marking another crucial step toward strengthening governance, accountability, and technical development within Nigeria’s aquatic sports ecosystem.

In a comprehensive release signed by the Federation’s President, Dr. Dunkwu Nnamdi Chamberlain (PhD, KSC), the appointments cut across fifteen specialized committees, with the aim of ensuring inclusiveness, efficiency, and professional oversight in line with international best practices.

According to the statement, the Federation President will oversee all committees in his supervisory capacity to ensure seamless coordination and adherence to NAqF’s strategic objectives.

The Finance Committee, which will drive financial prudence and transparency, will be chaired by Hon. Alhassan Mogaji, with Mr. Babatunde Fatai-Williams as Vice Chairman. Other members include Hon. Maina Modu Kyari, Lt. Labake Oriretan, Dr. Alfred Mboto, while Mr. Taiwo Oriss will serve as Secretary.

The Budget Committee will be led by Mr. Joseph Odobeatu, assisted by Chinwoke Jecinta Williams and Mr. Oriss as Secretary.

In a major boost for competitive excellence, the Technical Committee will be chaired by Ms. Obia Inyengiyikabo, with Mr. Jiddah Dakwal as Vice Chair. The committee comprises a robust lineup of experienced members, including Dr. Babatunde Henry Omoyele, Mr. Emmanuel Emefuna, and Mr. Basil Nwoye, among others.

The School Sports and Higher Institutions Development Committee, chaired by Dr. Suleiman Usman Omeiza, will focus on grassroots talent discovery and institutional partnerships to drive youth participation in aquatic disciplines.

The Coaches Committee, chaired by veteran instructor Coach Ita Agbor, brings together some of the nation’s finest coaches, including Coach Barakumo Loya, Coach Inemi Spiff, and Coach Sunday Tilije, to enhance technical coaching standards nationwide.

To uphold professionalism and ethical standards, the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee will be led by Mrs. Florence Yori, supported by Dr. Suleiman Omeiza and Mr. Jiddah Dakwal.

In a bid to expand visibility and financial sustainability, the Marketing and Sponsorship Committee will be chaired by Hon. Maina Modu Kyari, with Mr. Joseph Odobeatu as Vice Chair, while Dr. Alfred Mboto and Hon. Adebayo Abdulrasaq Owolabi will serve as key members.

The Media and Publicity Committee, expected to play a pivotal role in information management and digital communication, features a mix of respected journalists and media professionals. The team includes Hon. Adebayo Abdulrasaq Owolabi (Vice Chair), Mr. Olaide Ali (Kogi State), Mr. Patrick Ibeh (Metro Sports), Mr. Solomon Ajuziogu (TVC), Mr. Nonso Arinzechi (Democracy Radio), Dr. Maxwell Momah, and Ms. Gift Bakare of Instagrowth Online Media. Mr. Taiwo Oriss will serve as Secretary.

Ensuring the safety of athletes and the general public remains a top priority. The Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Committee will be headed by Mr. Babatunde Fatai-Williams, with Dr. Kunle Odewunmi as Vice Chair, while Hon. Alhassan Mogaji and Pst. N.S. Jesimiel are among its members.

The Medical and Doping Control Committee, chaired by Dr. Babatunde Henry Omoyele, includes Dr. Tokunbo Ademola and Dr. Shedrack Anekwe, focusing on athlete welfare and anti-doping compliance.

The Facilities Committee, led by Pst. N.S. Jesimiel, will supervise the maintenance and development of aquatic centers across the federation.

The Security Committee will be chaired by Lt. Cdr. Labake Oriretan, ensuring athlete safety during local and international events.
For athlete representation, Mr. Eric Williams will head the Athletes Committee, with Major Gloria Mbah serving as Vice Chair, ensuring athletes’ voices remain central to policy formulation.

To drive technical mastery across various aquatic sports, NAqF established three sub-committees:

Swimming Technical Sub-Committee, chaired by Mr. Jiddah Dakwal.

Water Polo Technical Sub-Committee, under Mr. Adebayo Owolabi Wopa.

Open Water Swimming Sub-Committee, headed by Mr. Lanre Saidi.

Each of these units comprises seasoned coaches, administrators, and regional representatives tasked with developing structured competition calendars, talent identification, and training programs nationwide.

Speaking on the appointments, President Dr. Dunkwu Nnamdi Chamberlain emphasized that the committees were carefully selected to “reflect competence, integrity, and commitment to the Federation’s vision of elevating Nigeria’s status in global aquatic sports.”

> “These appointments represent a blend of experience, regional balance, and professional expertise. Our goal is to build an efficient administrative structure that ensures Nigeria takes its rightful place in continental and global aquatic competitions,” Dr. Chamberlain stated.

He further assured stakeholders that the Federation will continue to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and international partners such as World Aquatics to sustain the momentum of reforms and athlete development programs.

The unveiling of the NAqF Committees marks a significant milestone in the Federation’s roadmap toward institutional stability, talent growth, and improved global representation. With the new structure in place, the Nigeria Aquatics Federation is poised for a productive and transformative four-year tenure.