NVBF boss calls for Mandatory establishment of sport academies by clubs

Published

3 years ago

May 6, 2022

President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Musa Nimrod has called for a mandatory establishment of academies by Premier League volleyball clubs in the country.

Nimrod made the call on Friday at a technical committee meeting of the state Volleyball Association in Kaduna.

He said there were concerns on the need for further grassroots development ahead of major competitions.

He said: “Establishing sports academy will give great opportunity to develop athletes with training and competing during competitions.

“Sports academies are a great opportunity to develop yourself in your chosen sport with training and competing in fixtures every day.

“There are so many reasons for establishing sports academies which include 6-10 hours professional coaching each week and post-match analysis.

Other reasons adduced are the “opportunity to compete against people of your own age locally, regionally and nationally and free travel to and from training and matches’’.

He tasked coaches in the state to step up action in preparation for the National Sports Festival (NSF) billed for Delta this year.

Earlier, Coach Vincent Unogwu said Kaduna remained one of the top volleyball talent-grooming state and a force to reckon with in the sport.

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Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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