By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

 

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has announced the composition of its Board Committees for the 2025–2029 administrative cycle, in what the body describes as a major step toward strengthening governance, accountability, and technical development within the country’s aquatic sports ecosystem.

 

In a detailed statement signed by the Federation’s President, Dr. Dunkwu Nnamdi Chamberlain (PhD, KSC), fifteen committees were unveiled — each tasked with driving specific aspects of the Federation’s strategic agenda, from finance and technical development to athlete welfare and media relations.

 

According to the statement, Dr. Chamberlain will provide oversight and coordination across all committees to ensure their alignment with NAqF’s mission of promoting excellence and integrity in aquatic sports.

The Finance Committee, charged with promoting financial transparency and accountability, will be chaired by Hon. Alhassan Mogaji, with Mr. Babatunde Fatai-Williams as Vice Chairman.

 

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

 

For technical advancement, Ms. Obia Inyengiyikabo was appointed Chair of the Technical Committee, supported by Mr. Jiddah Dakwal as Vice Chair.

 

Grassroots and academic partnerships will fall under the School Sports and Higher Institutions Development Committee, headed by Dr. Suleiman Usman Omeiza, while Coach Ita Agbor leads the Coaches Committee — a team comprising elite national trainers focused on capacity building and modern coaching standards.

 

The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee will be chaired by Mrs. Florence Yori, ensuring professionalism and ethical compliance across board activities.

 

To boost visibility and attract corporate support, Hon. Maina Modu Kyari will head the Marketing and Sponsorship Committee, with Dr. Alfred Mboto and Hon. Adebayo Abdulrasaq Owolabi as members.

 

The Media and Publicity Committee, featuring top journalists and digital experts, will be vital to NAqF’s communications strategy. Members include Hon. Adebayo Owolabi, Mr. Olaide Ali, Mr. Patrick Ibeh, Mr. Solomon Ajuziogu, Mr. Nonso Arinzechi, Dr. Maxwell Momah, and Ms. Gift Bakare.

 

On athlete safety, Mr. Babatunde Fatai-Williams chairs the Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Committee, while Dr. Babatunde Henry Omoyele leads the Medical and Doping Control Committee, focusing on health and anti-doping measures.

 

Infrastructure oversight will be managed by the Facilities Committee, chaired by Pst. N.S. Jesimiel, and security during events will be handled by the Security Committee under Lt. Cdr. Labake Oriretan.

To ensure athletes’ voices are represented, Mr. Eric Williams heads the Athletes Committee, with Major Gloria Mbah as Vice Chair.

 

For technical specialisation, NAqF created three sub-committees:

• Swimming Technical Sub-Committee – chaired by Mr. Jiddah Dakwal

• Water Polo Technical Sub-Committee – led by Mr. Adebayo Owolabi (Wopa)

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

Dr. Chamberlain said the new structure was designed to “reflect competence, integrity, and commitment” in line with international standards.

 

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

 

He reaffirmed NAqF’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and World Aquatics to sustain ongoing reforms and athlete development programs.

 

The unveiling of the committees marks a major milestone in NAqF’s reform journey — signaling a new era of transparency, inclusiveness, and strategic growth as Nigeria seeks stronger representation in global aquatic sports.