By Joel Ajayi

The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Hon. Chamberlin Nnamdi Dunkwu, has assured that no swimmer in the country will remain idle this year, as the federation rolls out a comprehensive grassroots development plan aimed at talent identification, athlete development and podium success.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Dunkwu revealed that more than eight programmes have been lined up to ensure continuous engagement of swimmers nationwide, with three major grassroots initiatives forming the foundation of NAqF’s development roadmap for 2026.

The programmes include “Swim to the Future – Abuja,” scheduled for March 7, 2026; the 1st Inter-School Swimming Competition, Abuja, holding from March 25 to 27, 2026; and the National Junior Swimming Championship in Lagos, tagged “Swim for Life,” slated for April 2 to 4, 2026.

According to the NAqF President, the competitions are designed as a structured pathway from talent discovery to elite performance.

Dunkwu described the initiative as more than a series of events, noting that it represents a deliberate strategy to rebuild Nigerian aquatics from the grassroots upward.

He stressed that sustainable sporting success must be carefully planned, adequately funded and consistently nurtured, with schools and junior athletes forming the bedrock of long-term development.

He explained that the Inter-School Swimming Competition would serve as the backbone of grassroots growth by instilling discipline, teamwork and healthy competition, while the National Junior Swimming Championship would expose Nigeria’s best young swimmers to high-performance environments comparable to international standards. 

The approach, he said, is designed to create a steady pipeline of talent rather than isolated success stories.

The NAqF President also drew inspiration from the achievements of Abduljabar Adama, the first Nigerian and first Black swimmer to win a medal at the World Aquatics Junior Championships, describing the feat as proof of Nigeria’s vast potential. 

He added that as Adama transitions beyond junior eligibility, the federation is determined to ensure a new generation of swimmers emerges to sustain Nigeria’s global presence.

To strengthen implementation and funding of its programmes, NAqF announced the appointment of Thrive Resource as its marketing consultant. 
The firm will spearhead the federation’s sponsorship and commercial drive, leveraging its strategic networks and experience across key sectors to attract credible long-term partners.

According to Dunkwu, Thrive Resource was selected based on its proven track record, extensive connections and alignment with NAqF’s ambition to build a sustainable and future-proof aquatics structure.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to grassroots development, strategic partnerships and global competitiveness, emphasising that swimming in Nigeria represents not just medals, but safety, health, opportunity and hope.

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