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World Taekwondo Approves Coach Certification Program For Nigeria

Published

6 years ago

November 29, 2019

…As NTF lauds WT Gesture

Joel Ajayi

The World Taekwondo body has approved a WT Coach Certification Course Level I to take place in Nigeria between 15th– 16th December 2019 in FCT Abuja

This will be the first English version of the Course to take place in Africa, after courses held in Morocco and Egypt in Arabic. With Sudan set to hold another in Arabic and Senegal confirmed to hold the course in French, the English version in Nigeria gives a huge opportunity to coaches from Anglophone countries in Africa to benefit from the course, ahead of the Olympic year of 2020.

Participant coaches are expected to be taught about the competition rules, games management, medical and anti-doping, WT Global Membership System and other topics crucial for coaches to make a difference at competitive events.

President of the Federation, Margaret Binga, thanked the World body for the program and spoke on why her administration made tremendous effort to secure the program.

“We really thank the World Taekwondo body for approving the program in Nigeria. The World Taekwondo body is really doing a lot to ensure development spreads across the continent.”

“It will cost a fortune to send our coaches to other countries to get this knowledge. Attracting this program makes it very affordable for our coaches. We even pushed and got a 50% discount in registration fees to reduce the financial burden so that all our coaches, at the elite and grassroots level, can participate.”

The President also spoke on how the decision was reached by her administration.

“From 2021, this certification is required for any coach to participate in another World Taekwondo event. We initially wanted to organize a national coaching workshop during the Korean Ambassador Cup in October. But my technical department successfully argued that we should upgrade to the World taekwondo Coaching certification to triple the benefits to our coaches and Taekwondo community.”

In a Whatsapp message sent to Taekwondo practitioners in Nigeria, Nigeria’s Technical Director Engr. Chika Chukwumerije who is also a Member of the World Taekwondo “Taekwondo for All” Committee urged coaches in Nigeria to work hand-in-hand with the Federation to develop from the grassroots up.

“Honestly, the quality of our future athletes is very dependent on the quality of our grassroots coaches. Every coach or athlete-coach should have quality knowledge to transfer to their athletes from the very beginning. Participation in a quality event like this helps the coach and consequently the state and the nation to produce better quality athletes. Have superior knowledge also gives the coach leverage to attract more persons to its club, and do not forget the satisfaction that comes with producing quality and medal-winning athletes”

The three-time Olympian and Beijing 2008 Olympic bronze medalist also pointed out the level of participation in top countries in Africa.

“In Morocco where they just had the course, over 400 persons participated. In Egypt, it was a requirement for all their coaches. They understand how important it is to have the grassroots coaches empowered through knowledge and this is one of the reasons they dominate at the African Games. It is something that is commendable and should be also done here in Nigeria.”

Registration for the two-day event has already commenced through the World Taekwondo Global Membership System.

A minimum of 50 coaches are expected to participate in the event.

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Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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