By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Nnamdi Chamberlain Dunkwu, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reaffirming a long-standing partnership between the Federation and the Nigerian Navy.

The delegation was received at Naval Headquarters on behalf of the CNS by Rear Admiral J.N. Maman, Chief of Administration, alongside other senior naval officers.

In his address, Dunkwu expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its consistent sponsorship of the Chief of Naval Staff Swimming Championship since the year 2000. He described the championship as a transformative platform that has grown from 13 participating teams at inception to more than 20 teams drawn from states, military institutions, universities, and private academies across the country.

According to him, the championship has evolved beyond competition into a national framework for talent discovery, youth engagement, and institutional collaboration.

“At critical moments in the Federation’s history, when support was limited, the Nigerian Navy stood firmly behind us,” he stated. “Through this partnership, athletes have been discovered, groomed, and supported to secure scholarships abroad and represent Nigeria with pride.”

He emphasised that swimming is not merely a competitive sport but a life-saving skill and national asset, particularly for a country richly endowed with rivers and coastal waters.

Responding on behalf of the CNS, Rear Admiral Maman welcomed the Federation’s appreciation and reiterated the Navy’s commitment to supporting aquatic development in Nigeria.

He encouraged the Federation to expand beyond traditional swimming into other aquatic disciplines such as sailing, rowing, kayaking, and diving, noting that the Navy possesses both infrastructure and technical expertise to support such growth.

“We share the same environment and operational space,” he noted. “The Navy has divers, sailing clubs, and maritime professionals who can contribute meaningfully. Together, we can build a stronger aquatic ecosystem.”

He further urged the Federation to leverage Nigeria’s vast water resources to create inclusive opportunities for youth participation, economic engagement, and international competitiveness.

The Nigerian Navy delegation included Rear Admiral J.N. Maman (Chief of Administration), Rear Admiral E.J. Shinobani, Captain S.A. Olu, Captain D. Muthanuku (Director of Sports), Commander J.M. Muthunza (SO1 Sports), Sub-Lieutenant P.N. Niyoke, and Captain J.M. Ngun.

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation delegation comprised President Nnamdi Chamberlain Dunkwu, Secretary-General Taiwo Oriss, Abdul-Hassan Magaji (1st Vice President), Board Members Mr. Jidda Dakkwa and Florence Yori, as well as Media Representative Nonso Arinzechi.

The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of commemorative souvenirs, and a group photograph session, symbolising renewed commitment to sustained collaboration.

Both parties agreed that the future of aquatic sports development in Nigeria will depend on structured partnerships, grassroots investment, and strategic institutional support.

The courtesy visit marks a significant step toward deepening cooperation between the Nigeria Aquatics Federation and the Nigerian Navy, with a shared vision of producing world-class athletes, promoting water safety, and strengthening national unity through sport.