NSC Inaugurates New Para Sports Federation Boards as Nigeria Begins Fresh Drive for Inclusive Sporting Excellence

By Eyere Ekuta 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated new boards for Nigeria's Para Sports Federations following elections widely described by stakeholders as free, fair and credible, marking another significant milestone in the country's sports reform agenda.

The exercise, held under the Commission's Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE), ushered in new leadership across key para sports federations, with the mandate to strengthen governance, enhance athlete development and position Nigeria as a leading force in adaptive sports on the continent and globally.

Among the newly elected officials is former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Opukiri Michael Jones-Ere, who emerged President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, alongsideJoshua Dauda Bungon as Vice President.

Other newly inaugurated boards include:

* Para Athletics: Etti Rafiu Olawale (President) and Mohammed Musa Nafiu (Vice President)

* Para Powerlifting: Kingsley James Awodi (President) and Chief Akutekwe Patrick, MON (Vice President)

* Para Soccer: Alhaji Kaka Mallam (President) and Sherifat Bola Araoye (Vice President)

* Para Swimming: Adeyemi Adeshina Adeola (President) and Dr. Ahmed Alao (Vice President)

* Para Volleyball: Muhammed Abbah Isa (President) and Hon. Jim Okolo (Vice President)

* Para Badminton: Board inaugurated following the election process.

Speaking during the inauguration, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the federations as the foundation of Nigeria's sporting development and charged the new executives to build lasting legacies through innovation, professionalism and transparency.

"What we have successfully done today is to give you all the platform to contribute your quota toward building a sustainable sports economy, particularly within the Nigerian para sports community," Dikko said.

He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda places significant emphasis on sports development, with para sports occupying a central position in the government's vision for an inclusive sports ecosystem.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the newly elected boards, describing the emergence of experienced administrators and sports enthusiasts as evidence that ongoing reforms are attracting individuals capable of transforming Nigerian sports.

"Para sports remain a major priority for the National Sports Commission, and we are confident that these new boards possess the capacity to complement our efforts in taking adaptive sports to greater heights," Olopade stated.

Following his election, Opukiri Jones-Ere ( President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation), expressed appreciation to the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible electoral process.

He also thanked delegates for their confidence, pledging to justify the mandate entrusted to him.

"My commitment is to develop amputee football, improve player welfare, strengthen our structures and create more opportunities for athletes living with disabilities to compete and excel both nationally and internationally," he said.

The Nigeria Para Volleyball Federation also unveiled its newly constituted board, with Muhammed Abbah Isa serving as President and Hon. Jim Okolo as Vice President.

Other members include Mrs. Mary Vayin, representing the Amputee Federation of Nigeria (AFFAN), while internationally certified coach Christian Agoawuike joins the board as Technical Director.

Agoawuike brings extensive technical expertise to the federation as a World ParaVolley Level 2 Certified Coach, Africa ParaVolley Certified Beach Standing Coach and Technical Coordinator of Invictus Team Nigeria.

Reacting to his appointment, the newly appointed Technical Director described it as both an honour and a greater responsibility.

"It is a bigger call to service to nationhood and humanity. We are working with persons living with disabilities while promoting inclusion, equality and sporting excellence through adaptive sports," Agoawuike said.

He added that the federation's technical department would focus on talent identification, coaching education, athlete development and raising Nigeria's competitiveness at continental and global championships.

The inauguration of the new boards represents another strategic step in the National Sports Commission's efforts to reposition Nigerian sports through effective governance, stronger institutional leadership and inclusive development.

With experienced administrators, technical experts and advocates now at the helm of the country's para sports federations, expectations are high that Nigeria will not only consolidate its status as one of Africa's leading para sports nations but also produce more world-class athletes capable of excelling on the biggest international stages.