Sports
Nigeria Gymnastics Federation Vows To Raise 20,000 Gymnasts Nationwide
By Joel Ajayi
The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) has unveiled an ambitious plan to raise at least 20,000 gymnasts across the country, as part of its renewed drive to expand the sport’s grassroots base and strengthen Nigeria’s global standing in gymnastics.
President of the Federation, Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse, made this pledge in Abuja after his re-election for a third consecutive term during a transparent and peaceful election witnessed by delegates from 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Prince Kelvin, said the Federation’s aggressive grassroots development programmes had already yielded significant results, citing Edo State where nearly 700 students were introduced to gymnastics, resulting in the creation of more than 40 new clubs. Similar initiatives in the Northeast discovered over 300 promising athletes who featured in the National Youth Games.
“We’re taking this zone by zone, and the Northwest is next,” Prince Kelvin said. “The ultimate goal is to raise 20,000 gymnasts nationwide. No state will be left behind in this vision.”
Under his leadership, Nigeria became the first West African country to qualify for gymnastics at the Olympic Games, winning a historic gold medal and attracting international recognition for the sport. The Federation also hosted Africa’s first-ever international gymnastics coaching course in Abuja, drawing experts from Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, and other countries.
According to the President, these efforts have unlocked opportunities for Nigeria, including equipment donations, institutional partnerships, and training exchanges with global gymnastics bodies. Already, 15 states are being considered to receive acrobatic gymnastics equipment through partnerships facilitated during the international course.
Prince Kelvin emphasized that his next term will focus on strengthening club development, building robust junior and senior national teams, and instilling discipline among athletes.
With unity within its board and international recognition steadily growing, the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria says its 20,000-gymnast target will create a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of competing at the highest levels worldwide.
Sports
“ This Award Gives Me Hope” Makanjuola Nureni Honoured for His Dedication to Nigerian Sports
Abuja-based football administrator and philanthropist, Makanjuola Nureni, has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his outstanding support to sports journalism and his immense contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The prestigious award was presented on Friday in Abuja during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Abuja, marking 60 years of promoting sports journalism and excellence across the nation.
Expressing his gratitude after receiving the honour, Makanjuola Nureni described the award as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to continue his lifelong commitment to youth and grassroots sports.
“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration to me and my supporters, and I believe it will encourage us to invest more in youth sports development in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the recognition serves as a morale booster after decades of hard work and silent impact in the sports community.
“I feel happy and fulfilled because we have been doing this for decades, and many times, our efforts went unnoticed. But I thank God that SWAN recognized people like us,” Nureni expressed.
Makanjuola Nureni is the founder and owner of Water FC Academy, a renowned football institution based in Abuja that focuses on discovering, nurturing, and empowering young Nigerian talents.
Through Water FC, he has developed and sponsored numerous players who have gone on to represent Nigeria’s national teams and play professionally in clubs across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
His consistency, passion, and investment in the development of young athletes have made him a key figure in Nigerian grassroots football.
In presenting the award, SWAN commended Nureni’s unwavering dedication to the growth of sports and his continuous support for sports journalism and youth empowerment.
The association highlighted his decades-long service to football development and described him as a true partner in the promotion of excellence within Nigerian sports.
The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration brought together prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.
Nureni’s recognition stands out as a testament to his vision, consistency, and commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of Nigerian football.
With this honour, Makanjuola Nureni further cements his legacy as one of the foremost private contributors to sports growth and youth development in Nigeria.
His story continues to inspire a new generation of sports administrators and philanthropists dedicated to transforming Nigerian sports from the grassroots up.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
