Aquatics Federation Elects New Technical and Athletics Board Representives
Oru Leonard
The Aquatics Federation has conducted its technical and athletics representative elections and new leaders were elected to solidify the leadership structures with the view to making the sport of aquatics become topnotch. At the forefront of this achievement is none other than Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
As a governing body for all aquatics sports in the country, the Aquatic Federation plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of competitive swimming, diving, and water polo. With the responsibility of electing representatives to lead and promote the sport, the Federation must conduct fair and transparent elections. And that is exactly what they did, thanks to the Leadership and guidance of Chairman National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
The National Sports Commission leadership dedication and passion for promoting all sporting activities in the country has earned them the respect and admiration of sports stakeholders. They have a strong advocate for transparency and accountability in all sporting federations. Therefore, it is no surprise that they have commended the Aquatics Federation for its exceptional work in conducting free and fair elections.
Under the Leadership of Chairman Dikko, the National Sports Commission has taken significant steps towards ensuring that all sporting federations in the country follow best practices in their governance. This includes promoting gender equality, transparency in financial management and fair elections. Their continuous efforts have brought about positive changes in the Nigerian sports industry, and the Aquatic Federation’s successful elections are yet another milestone.
Pastor Jasimiel Nseobong Samuel won the Technical Representative position, beating Sunday Tilije 24 votes to 18. While former Olympian Eric Williams is the new Athletes Representative, taking the seat after veteran swimmer Racheal Tonjor withdrew her candidacy in his favour.
Samuel, a long-time official in Aquatics, praised the election’s transparency and outlined his plan to mentor a group of five younger individuals to eventually take Leadership roles. Focused on developing the next generation, he stated his intention to step down after this term, aiming to equip successors within two years. He also plans to expand coaching and technical officials development programmes, with the ultimate goal of developing world-class athletes trained by Nigerian coaches.
William, a two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games medalist, expressed gratitude for his election and promised to be a strong advocate for athletes’ needs. He emphasised his commitment to ensuring more Nigerian athletes qualify for major international competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The election signals a new era for the Federation, with both Samuel and Williams committed to advancing the sport from grassroots to elite levels.
(NSC Media)
