Joel Ajayi
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 has lined up multiple programmes aimed at talent identification, development and podium success.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Dunkwu disclosed that more than eight programmes have been put in place to ensure continuous engagement of athletes nationwide, with three major grassroots initiatives forming the core of the federation’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,” set for April 2 to 4, 2026.
According to 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 planned, properly funded and consistently nurtured, with schools and junior athletes serving as the foundation.
NAqF boss explained that the Inter-School Swimming Competition will serve as the backbone of grassroots development by instilling discipline, teamwork and healthy competition, while the National Junior Swimming Championship will expose Nigeria’s best young swimmers to high-performance conditions comparable to international standards.
The approach, the federation noted, is aimed at creating a steady pipeline of talent rather than isolated achievements.
He also drew inspiration from the success of Abduljabar Adama, the first Nigerian and first Black swimmer to win a medal at the World Aquatics Junior Championships, describing his achievement as proof of Nigeria’s immense potential.
NAqF President stated that as Adama moves beyond junior eligibility, the federation is committed to ensuring a new generation of swimmers rises 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 lead the federation’s sponsorship and commercial drive, leveraging its extensive network and experience across key sectors to attract credible long-term partners.
According to Dunkwu, Thrive Resource was selected based on its proven track record, strategic connections and alignment with the federation’s ambition to build a sustainable, future-proof aquatics structure.
He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to grassroots development, strategic partnerships and global competitiveness, stressing that swimming in Nigeria represents not just medals, but safety, health, opportunity and hope.
