From Investment to Legacy: Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi’s Drive to Elevate Nigerian Canoeing



When the story of sports development in Nigeria is told, the name Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi consistently makes the tale. Known for his passion, vision, and unmatched personal investment in sports, these strides have made him a pillar of support for Nigerian athletes, and today, those same qualities position him as the best man to lead the Canoeing Federation as its next president.


For years, Dr. Ogunbiyi has gone beyond words to action, putting his resources and influence behind athletes and federations. 

He personally sponsored Nigeria’s canoeing team to the World Championship in Canada, setting the tone for his unwavering commitment to the sport. In 2014, he facilitated Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc’s sponsorship of Team Nigeria at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, ensuring athletes had the backing they needed to shine on the global stage. His contributions to canoeing are both historic and transformational. 

He purchased 20 canoe and kayak boats, paddles, and other vital equipment for the Rowing and Canoeing Federation, empowering athletes with tools to compete internationally. 

In 2020, he constructed and delivered the only Federation Boat Club at Jabi Lake, Abuja, an enduring legacy and world-class facility that continues to serve as the heartbeat of canoeing in Nigeria.

Dr. Ogunbiyi’s support cuts across national and international events. From backing Team Nigeria at the Congo African Games to sponsoring athletes at the World Rowing Championship in France (2015) and the African Continental Qualification in South Africa (2016), his name has been the constant factor in Nigeria’s presence at key competitions. 

His financial contributions also sustained the 2017 National Youth Games in Ilorin, the Paracanoe Team at the 2018 National Championship, and the 2021 National Championship at Jabi Lake. Most recently, he supported Nigeria at the African Cup for Canoe Sprint (2023) and the African Continental Paris Olympic Qualification, hosted at Jabi Lake, Abuja in November 2023.

Beyond canoeing, Dr. Ogunbiyi has left an indelible mark on Nigerian sports generally. He built an ultra-modern badminton court and has consistently invested in platforms that give young athletes opportunities to excel. His passion for sports is matched only by his determination to see Nigeria compete and win at the highest levels.

The future of canoeing in Nigeria requires a leader with vision, capacity, and proven commitment. Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has demonstrated all three, time and again. His track record is not just impressive—it is unrivaled. With him as president, Nigeria’s canoeing will not only grow, it will thrive on the continental and global stage.

Dr. Ogunbiyi is not just the right candidate for the job, he is the only candidate whose legacy already proves what the future can look like.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Adekunle Adetola becomes the latest Nigerian wonderkid to leave Best Talent FC for Europe

Image
By: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR) Best Talent FC of Mowe has announced the departure of one of his utility players, Adekunle Adetola for European trials    Best Talent Football Club is one of the phenomenon football clubs that specialise in producing young and exciting players is delighted to announce the departure of another highly rated 17 year old Centre Back to Europe. According to the General Manager of the team, Sikiru Ibrahim popularly known as SK, he said: "The Integrity side have recorded another success after one of our utility player was spotted at one of the scouting programs organized in Nigeria recently.  The 17 year old lad plays as a central defender, full back and also a defensive midfielder is presently on his way for a trial to secure a professional contract along with other scouted  players." "The Management of the Ogun State Football giant under the able leadership of Adeyinka Adeyemo wishes him success as he seeks to further ...
Read more

WFS APPOINTMENT: Ondo State Football Agency Congratulates Prince Dapo Ajibade

Image
Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) has been caught up in an emotion laden moment of the appointment of Prince Dapo Ajibade, Abaj Multilinks Limited CEO as an official representative of the renown World Football Summit (WFS) in Nigeria. In the same vein, WFS announced international sports administrator and brand strategist, Prince Fred Akhigbe of F & A Sporting Management, a partner. In a statement, WFS said, "we are thrilled to partner sports consultants Prince Dapo Ajibade and Prince Fred Akhigbe to expand our presence in Nigeria." According to Marian Otamendi, CEO of World Football Summit, "the passion for football in Nigeria is undeniable, with 67% of the population watching the sport regularly hence our goal is to harness this enthusiasm and help create a thriving, sustainable football industry that benefits all stakeholders – from grassroots organizations to top-tier clubs and businesses." For members of ODSFA board led by Dele Ologunloluwa, the...
Read more

Shooting Stars declare two players AWOL

Image
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, have declared two of their players Victor Ehibe and Abubakar Adeyemi  absent without official leave (AWOL). A statement by the club's Media Officer, Tosin Omojola, explained that the duo  have suddenly absconded from the team without any official notice. "We wish to inform the public of the sudden disappearance of two of  our players, Victor Ehibe and Abubakar Adeyemi. "While Abubakar Adeyemi has not shown up for training for sometime, Victor  Ehibe recently left the club's camp, packing all his belongings without any official notice," said the 3SC spokesman in the statement. Furthermore, the release  stated that the two players have running contracts with the Oluyole Warriors, hence, they have no right to leave without officially informing the club of their whereabouts. The statement therefore warned clubs against having any dealing with the players, ...
Read more