The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has charged newly elected board members of 10 National Para Sports Federations to demonstrate leadership anchored on performance, accountability, and measurable results over the next four years.
Dikko gave the charge on Wednesday during the inauguration of the federation boards held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
He urged the new executives to justify the confidence placed in them by delivering purposeful leadership and visible impact.
“My job is basically to support and endorse the newly elected leadership, but sports development must go beyond words and be anchored on passion, dedication, and measurable results,” he said.
He stressed that accountability must be central to their operations, noting that leaders must not only seek support but also clearly demonstrate their contributions to sports development.
Dikko also called for unity and inclusiveness in sports administration, insisting that no stakeholder should be excluded.
Also speaking, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade charged the new boards to uphold integrity, innovation, and commitment in advancing para sports in Nigeria.
He emphasized that all sports deserve equal attention and investment, regardless of popularity.
Olopade urged the federations to prioritise athlete welfare, grassroots development, and institutional strengthening, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to funding and recognising para athletes.
“We remain fully committed to supporting para athletes and celebrating their achievements,” he said.
He further called for collective responsibility in elevating para sports, describing it as a symbol of courage, resilience, and determination.
Board Appointments
In Amputee Football, Jones-Ere Opukiri was elected President with Joshua Bungon as Vice President. Other board members include Ibrahim Idako, Ashiga Bukar, Abdulazeez Abiodun, Tochukwu Nnaji, Sarafadeen Oyeleke, Victor Nwenne, Si Wandoo Andura (NIS), Dr. Yakubu Yahaya, Thecla Opara, Isa Suleiman, and Maria Omonehin.
For Para Athletics, Etti Olawale emerged President, while Mohammed Nafiu is Vice President. Other members include Yakubu Atanda, Musbau Didi, Ezeipe Silver, Nnacheta Vincent, Uwak Unyime, Oladipupo Idowu, Kasumu Taiwo, Yakubu Lar (FRSC), and Salamatu Alimi.
In Para Powerlifting, Kingsley Awodi was elected President with Patrick Akutekwe as Vice President, alongside Abduljaleel Sharhu, Saile Mohammed, Amina Ahmed, Eweje Oluwafemiayo Gbolahan, Folashade, Oluwakemi Oyebola, Grace Thomas, Joy Mayaki, Christiana Olanrewaju, James Allison, and Igbiti Aghimile.
For Para Soccer, Kaka Mallam became President with Sherifat Araoye as Vice President. Other members include Sanni Gimbiya, Felix Apwale, Samaka Mohammed, Omoyemi Adeniyi, Enai Emezikeye, Hauwa Saibu, Abdullahi Adoro, Yusuf Isa, Rita Okechukwumeye, and Beatrice Emechete.
In Para Swimming, Adeola Adeyemi was elected President with Ahmed Alao as Vice President, alongside Ahmed Muktar, Yohanna Umar, Usman Yahaya, Chikwendu Amobi, Preye Ebis, Titilayo Badmus, Joseph Oladele, Jumoke Ojo, Mohammed Ajayi, Abosede Olateju, and Dappa Wogu.
For Para Volleyball, Mohammed Abba emerged President with Jim Okolo as Vice President, joined by Nagiya Magana, Ashiru Abdullahi, Philomina Agusobo, Adebowale Alaba, Ugwunwa Achigh, Abejide Ademola, Mary Vayin, Asoa James, Franscisca Ikheiede, Emmanuel Igba, and Olufunke Aina.
