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ENGR. HABU GUMEL AND HIS ENDURING LEGACY IN SPORTS

Published

6 years ago

November 8, 2019

Felicia Mammah Okafor

History is about to be made again in Nigerian Sports as the nation gears towards the historic commissioning of the office complex of the 54-member Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) scheduled for 13th and 14th November 2019.

As expected since ten years ago that Nigeria was elected to be the Head Quarter of ANOCA, this event will bring glory to Nigeria and raise its stature in the comity of world sporting nations. A fallout of that event is that it will motivate Nigerian sports administrators and athletes towards greater achievements, thus signaling a new fortune or blossoming for them.

Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel

A Tribute for this development would be a collective one for Nigeria, but particularly to a man with a burning desire to leave a legacy in sports. He is Engr. Habu Gumel, a Jigawa State-born astute sports administrator, for his dogged pursuit and realization of a worthy dream. One would wonder how an Engineer by profession could be so in-depth in sporting activities which may appear not to be his primary calling.

But his giant actions that involve activities in both field and track constitute a loud statement that beyond occupational or career professionalism, passion, know-how, and determination that one deploys to a given assignment is a catalyst to take that person to the peak. Gumel’s passion for sports, invariably, has won him a significant place both locally and internationally, conquering tough challenges and winning laurels. Just as Roberth Sychular would say “Tough times never last but tough people do”.

Engr Gumel had worked in the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) before joining the then National Youth Development Department which later metamorphosed to National Sports Commission where he was the Director of Facility and witnessed the commissioning of the present Mashood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. It would be thought that his carrier progression will limit him to the construction of buildings but alas it became a beneficial resource and experience in navigating the obstacles, bumps, and odds in every human situation.

Braving all forms of odds and fears which could inhibit someone, he strongly posits that limitation is one’s choice while fear of competition and wrong motives could make a person bow to negative influences. Not for a man like him! Deservedly, destiny has exalted him to the position wherein he could be described as the father of sports in Nigeria, having seen him taking the country to highly competitive sports engagements all over the world.

When the ANOCA Headquarters gets commissioned in Nigeria, it will be significant in many respects. First, it is a credit to the Federal Government for fulfilling the Protocol Agreement she signed to provide an office building and befitting Secretariat for the Association of National Olympic Committee for Africa (ANOCA). it will further be a justification of the trust and regard that all the African countries have for Nigeria, as expressed in their choice to have their Headquarters domiciled here.

Nigeria is widely known for being a ‘big brother’ to other African countries and when the opportunity came for her to accommodate them on her soil, she did not relent, and to further prove her commitment to unity in the Diaspora, provided 4805.30sqm of land space in the Cadastral zone B15, sector center A, in Abuja the Capital of Nigeria. Some of the features provided in the building of two floors include Standard Conference Room of about 93 square meters in the floor area of 1768 square meters.

The Federal Government defaulted in the timing of project completion due to the global exigencies of economic and financial constraints but has now proven beyond doubt her commitment to providing comfort to African countries that will subsequently make Abuja their home capital. Among other fittings that would make the arena pleasant are Perimeter fence, soft landscaping, driveway sparking, 200KVA Transformer, 150KVA soundproof diesel generator set, garden, borehole, ground storage tank and an overhead water storage reservoir.

The Association of National Olympic Committee for Africa (ANOCA) was founded in July 1965 in Brazzaville. It is an international organization that unites the 54 African countries. It is charged with the responsibilities of encouraging mediation and conciliation between the National Olympic Committees (NOC) and the government. It ensures the building foundation of ambitious sports policies as well as provides young athletes with the condition for success.

The Association promotes sports initiatives including Olympic ideals and values in Africa. It is also involved in the fight against doping, corruption, violence and other pandemics. Most importantly ANOCA brings togetherness through sports to build a peaceful Africa.

ANOCA does much more but suffices it to say that these African countries take seriously in their curriculum African Games, African Youth Games, African Beach Games, ANOCA U-23 championship /Olympic Qualifying Tournaments and ANOCA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

In the count down to that historic event, Engr. Habu Gumel who remains valid in mind, strength, administration, and politics, deserves a thumb up. He has used his passion for Sports to provide job opportunities, permanent gathering for African countries and above all increased the nation’s economic strength. In collaboration with the Federal Government, a remarkable history will be made when the office complex for the 54 African countries gets commissioned.

Engr. Habu Gumel is presently the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Member International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Treasurer: Association of National Olympic Committee for Africa (ANOCA) and President of Volley Ball Federation of Nigeria for many years. He has taken the country’s sports to both political and international height and is about to permanent it in the Hall of Fame.

Its congratulations to a practical personality that drives achievable passion, thus encouraging inspired and go-getter persons to look beyond professionalism and to be creative with their ideas and passion.

Big felicitation to the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development and especially to the Honourable Minister who is avid to see this event come through. Most importantly, the glory goes to the Federal Republic of Nigeria that has done so much and will continue to do so in the overall interest of Nigeria.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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