Sports
From Investment to Legacy: Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi’s Drive to Elevate Nigerian Canoeing
Joel Ajayi
When the story of sports development in Nigeria is told, the name Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi consistently makes the tale. Known for his passion, vision, and unmatched personal investment in sports, these strides have made him a pillar of support for Nigerian athletes, and today, those same qualities position him as the best man to lead the Canoeing Federation as its next president.
For years, Dr. Ogunbiyi has gone beyond words to action, putting his resources and influence behind athletes and federations.
He personally sponsored Nigeria’s canoeing team to the World Championship in Canada, setting the tone for his unwavering commitment to the sport. In 2014, he facilitated Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc’s sponsorship of Team Nigeria at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, ensuring athletes had the backing they needed to shine on the global stage. His contributions to canoeing are both historic and transformational.
He purchased 20 canoe and kayak boats, paddles, and other vital equipment for the Rowing and Canoeing Federation, empowering athletes with tools to compete internationally.
In 2020, he constructed and delivered the only Federation Boat Club at Jabi Lake, Abuja, an enduring legacy and world-class facility that continues to serve as the heartbeat of canoeing in Nigeria.
Dr. Ogunbiyi’s support cuts across national and international events. From backing Team Nigeria at the Congo African Games to sponsoring athletes at the World Rowing Championship in France (2015) and the African Continental Qualification in South Africa (2016), his name has been the constant factor in Nigeria’s presence at key competitions.
His financial contributions also sustained the 2017 National Youth Games in Ilorin, the Paracanoe Team at the 2018 National Championship, and the 2021 National Championship at Jabi Lake. Most recently, he supported Nigeria at the African Cup for Canoe Sprint (2023) and the African Continental Paris Olympic Qualification, hosted at Jabi Lake, Abuja in November 2023.
Beyond canoeing, Dr. Ogunbiyi has left an indelible mark on Nigerian sports generally. He built an ultra-modern badminton court and has consistently invested in platforms that give young athletes opportunities to excel. His passion for sports is matched only by his determination to see Nigeria compete and win at the highest levels.
The future of canoeing in Nigeria requires a leader with vision, capacity, and proven commitment. Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has demonstrated all three, time and again. His track record is not just impressive—it is unrivaled. With him as president, Nigeria’s canoeing will not only grow, it will thrive on the continental and global stage.
Dr. Ogunbiyi is not just the right candidate for the job, he is the only candidate whose legacy already proves what the future can look like.
Sports
Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30
Cyril Ogar
Registration for the 2026 edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament will close on Friday, October 30, organisers have announced.
The tournament coordinator, Mr Raphael Ekpang, disclosed this on Thursday, urging interested teams across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take advantage of the remaining days to register.
Ekpang said registration had been ongoing since Monday, encouraging eligible teams to complete the process before the deadline.
The tournament, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is scheduled to kick off on November 3, 2026, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
The grand finale will hold on December 5, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, Abuja, where the top four teams will compete for first-, second- and third-place honours.
A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, with eight teams representing each of the six Area Councils.
The participating teams will compete for cash prizes worth over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.
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