Sports

GFN President Dismisses Election Cancellation, Hails Tinubu and NSC Leadership

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The President-elect of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse, has strongly refuted a recent press statement from the National Sports Commission (NSC) which listed the GFN among federations scheduled to hold fresh elections on October 18, 2025.

While speaking to Journalists on the issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Prince Kelvin described the inclusion of GFN in the NSC’s directive as a “clear error”, emphasizing that the federation’s elections were duly held on September 6, 2025, in full compliance with its constitution, and with the oversight of relevant stakeholders.

> “This is to inform the Gymnastics family, the sporting community, and the general public that the press statement from the NSC, announcing a new election date for the GFN, must have been made in error,” said Prince Kelvin.

He added that the September 6 election was free, fair, and transparent, with all constitutional processes observed, and has since received widespread recognition and validation.

And Follow the successful conclusion of the election, congratulatory messages were received from: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). The African Gymnastics Union (UAG). The Azerbaijan Gymnastics FederationOther critical international and regional stakeholders

Prince Kelvin used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing competent professionals to lead Nigerian sports, specifically praising: Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission. Chief Bukola Olopade, Director General, NSC

“President Tinubu’s decision to appoint seasoned sports administrators like Alhaji Shehu Dikko and Chief Bukola Olopade was not a mistake. These are individuals with decades of experience, and their presence is already reshaping the landscape of Nigerian sports,” he said.

Prince Kelvin, however, expressed concern over what he described as the influence of “fifth columnists”—individuals within ministries and parastatals who, he claims, are working behind the scenes to sabotage well-intentioned reforms.
“Regrettably, there are always shadowy figures in every institution who seek to derail progress.

Unfortunately, the sports sector is not exempt. The press release in question appears to be one of their ploys and should be disregarded in totality,” he asserted.

Reaffirming the legitimacy of the GFN board, Prince Kelvin assured stakeholders that the federation is currently working closely with the NSC leadership to clarify and normalize the situation.

“The GFN elections were conducted in line with our constitution as approved by FIG and under the directives of the NSC. We remain confident in the support of the NSC leadership and are in active communication to address any misunderstandings.”

He urged all stakeholders to remain calm and focused on the ongoing development of gymnastics in Nigeria.

The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria maintains that its board was duly elected, legally constituted, and internationally recognized, and as such, the call for a re-election is unnecessary and unfounded.

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Sports

Dr. Ogunbiyi Emerges New President of Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, Vows Greater Development

Published

22 hours ago

October 4, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi on Saturday emerged as the new President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, taking over from Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd).

In an election held at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Ogunbiyi polled all 13 votes cast to win unopposed in what stakeholders described as one of the freest and fairest elections in recent times.

Similarly, Mr. Kayode Abulazeez was elected Vice President after securing 13 out of 13 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ogunbiyi commended the outgoing president for laying a solid foundation for the Federation.

He noted that under Porbeni’s leadership, Nigeria achieved notable milestones, including participation in Olympic qualifiers.

“Over the last 10 to 15 years, the Federation has gained national recognition through sacrifice and commitment. We must now build on that foundation to take rowing, canoeing, and sailing to the next level,” Ogunbiyi said.

He stressed that infrastructure development and nationwide talent scouting will be top priorities for the new board, adding that Nigeria’s abundant water resources hold great potential for the growth of water sports.

“We will consolidate on what has been achieved and, with the support of government agencies and corporate sponsors, I believe that within one to two years we will witness massive progress in this sport,” he added.

Ogunbiyi also acknowledged the challenge of Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture, promising that the Federation will not only construct new facilities but also maintain existing ones in line with international standards.

He pledged to align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in driving sustainable development in the sport.

On his own, the Vice President Kayode Abulazeez, appreciated the delegates for their confidence and stressed that infrastructure remains key to discovering hidden talents across the country.

“Nigeria is blessed with diverse water bodies, and we must make rowing, canoeing, and sailing inclusive sports developed across all regions,” he said.

Speaking also, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, described the election as seamless and transparent, noting that strict adherence to rules and regulations ensured its credibility.

“This is one of the freest and fairest elections conducted in recent times. My charge to the new board is to work in unity and harmony to move the Federation forward,” Bamiduro stated.

He also commended the management of the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, and Dr. Bukola Olopade, Secretary-General, for providing the enabling environment for the successful conduct of the polls.

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