Gumel mourns Aquatic Federation president, Chamberlain

The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has expressed sadness over the death of the President of the Aquatic Federation of Nigeria, Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu.

Chamberlain died in the early hours of Saturday, drawing reactions from members of the Olympic family and stakeholders in the sports sector.

Gumel spoke in a press statement made available to Sporting Tribune on Monday and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the committee, Tony Nezianya.

According to the NOC president, the late administrator played a role in the development of aquatic sports in the country.

“To the world, he was the President of the Nigeria Aquatic Sports Federation; to the Olympic movement in the country, he was a visionary leader.

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“But to me, Chamberlain was quite simply a ‘son’.

“Watching him lead with such infectious energy and clarity of vision brought me a pride that words can barely capture.

“At 54, he was in the absolute prime of his life, just beginning to realise the bold transformation he imagined for Nigerian aquatic sports.

“Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu didn’t just manage a federation; he breathed life into it. His loyalty as a protégé and his passion for our athletes were unmatched.

“This is more than a professional void; it is a profound personal tragedy that leaves the entire Olympic family in shock.

“The circumstances that have added to the grief were that he died on a day his colleagues at the Olympic Movement, friends and political associates were awaiting his arrival at the Swimming Pool of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, for the formal launch of ‘Swim to the Future’ he planned to personally sponsor.

“Chamberlain, my son, go in peace. Your gestures, life and dreams will not be forgotten,” Gumel noted.