Sports
Handball Federation Polls: Scramble for Places On the Board Intensifies As Zonal Elections Hold On Saturday
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
The outlook of the incoming Board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), will become clearer after this weekends polls, that will produce the six zonal representatives, on Saturday.
Under the reign of the outgoing President, Mr. Samuel Ocheho the HFN was one of the few sports federations that managed to make appreciable impact, despite being deprived of government funding.
Election for the fifteen-member Board of the new HFN Board, began earlier in the month with the positions of Technical and Players representatives.
The elections held at the Velodrome, in Package A of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja; were in strict compliance with the HFN rules and regulations, and guidelines of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Former international head coach of the FRSC Safety Shooters, and Safety Babes, Bala Mohammed retained his place on the Board as Technical representative, by routing Kogi-based IHF/CHAB Referees Moses Balogun by 53-17.
The resounding victory, was a clear pointer as to the pendulum would be swinging to, as Bala is a strong ally of Jinrin Saidu who is looking to mount the saddle after losing the last election to Mr. Ocheeho by just a single vote.
The election for the post of players’ representative, was also a clean sweep for Talle Dada Aliyu, of Niger United Handball Club of Minna. Aliyu polled 27 votes to beat the incumbent, Joseph Update of NSCDC De Defenders HC, who got only 8 votes.
It is worthy of note that Udale’s election as players’ representative, four years ago was hotly contested, and it was later quashed by an Abuja High Court.
And although Mr. Sam Ocheeho is not contesting in this elections, the Banker is believed to be in support of another candidate for the Presidency, other than Mallam Jibrin.
Sports
Dr. Ogunbiyi Emerges New President of Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, Vows Greater Development
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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