By George Ameh, Abuja
Sports Department of the Federal Capital Territory Authority, FCTA, has appointed Jim Okolo as Chairman of the Para-Volley Association Caretaker Committee in its bid to enhance activities around sports development and disability inclusiveness in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The appointment letter which was seen by AljazirahNigeria and signed by the Director of Sports, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Luka Istifanus, said the tenure of office is expected to run from October 1 and end on April 31, 2026 during which Okolo would bring to bear his extensive knowledge and experience in providing technical support and cognate leadership geared towards the overall development of Para-Volley disability inclusiveness in the FCT.
Okolo’s appointment became necessary, following the dissolution of all FCT Sports Association Boards in October 2023 at the completion of their four-year tenure. To ensure continuity in sports administration, the Department constituted caretaker committees to manage the activities of the various associations in the interim, while it awaits the reconstitution and inauguration of new boards.
Okolo brings to the position an impressive blend of business acumen, administrative discipline and philanthropic vision.
He is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jimez Petroleum Resources Limited, a Nigerian oil and gas company widely recognised for its community projects and youth empowerment initiatives. He also serves as founder of Jim Mezie Foundation, a humanitarian platform dedicated to grassroots sports development, education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
Beyond the borders of Nigeria, Dr Okolo holds notable international roles. He serves as the Nigeria Country Lead for Nouvelle Perspective Internationale, NPI, a United Nations–affiliated organisation promoting peace, governance and sustainable development. He is also the West Africa Regional Coordinator for the Universal Migration Enlightenment Centre, UMEC, an advocacy body championing safe migration and human rights awareness across the sub-region.
He is a recipient of several awards of excellence from various youth groups among which are the Nigerian Youths Organisation for Leadership and Rights Activation, NYOLRA, Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Oodua Youth Parliament, OYP, Youth United for Progressive Governance in Nigeria, YUPGN, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, among others.
In the education sector, Okolo serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of Bridget University, Mbaise, where he continues to promote academic excellence, innovation and institutional growth. He is equally a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria, CIPAN, an honour that reflects his dedication to ethical governance and reform-minded leadership.
His contributions to sports and youth development have earned him several national honours, including the Nigerian Soccer Ambassador Award and his investiture as National Patron of Miss Football Nigeria in 2024, recognitions that underscore his belief in sports as a tool for unity and empowerment.
Reacting to his appointment, Dr Okolo described the call as “an opportunity to serve humanity through the power of sports and to create pathways for athletes living with disabilities to thrive”.
He pledged to strengthen the structures of para-volley within the FCT, promote inclusivity and ensure that the association serves as a model of transparency, discipline and progress.
Stakeholders in the sporting community described the appointment as visionary and well-deserved, describing Okolo as “a leader with the rare capacity to blend administrative efficiency with compassion and innovation”.
They expressed confidence that his tenure will inject new energy and focus into para-sports administration in the FCT.
With his mandate set to run until April 2026, expectations are high that he will bring renewed vision, accountability and excellence to the FCT Para-Volley Association, repositioning the FCT as a leading centre for inclusive sports in Nigeria.
