Ogunbiyi emerges Rowing Federation President, promises infrastructural development

Businessman and economist, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, on Saturday, emerged as the new President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation (NRCSF), succeeding retired Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni.

Ogunbiyi was pronounced as president after polling 13 votes and unopposed in an election that took place at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, presided over by Mr Olumide Bamiduro, the chairman of the electoral committee. Mr Kayode Abdulazeez also emerged as the vice president after securing the same 13 votes.

Speaking with journalists after his emergence, Ogunbiyi promised to focus on infrastructural development, saying his administration would build on the successes and gains recorded by his predecessor. He added that talent discovery will be the centrepiece of his administration, as it will take advantage of the country’s vast water resources to grow and develop sports in Nigeria.

He stressed that infrastructure development and nationwide talent scouting will be top priorities for the new board, adding that Nigeria’s abundant water resources hold great potential for the growth of water sports.

Ogunbiyi lauded Admiral Porbeni’s landmark achievements in office, including Nigeria’s participation at the last Olympics in Paris, France.

He said, “Over the last 10 to 15 years, the Federation has gained national recognition through sacrifice and commitment. We must now build on that foundation to take rowing, canoeing and sailing to the next level.

“We will consolidate on what has been achieved and,l with the support of government agencies and corporate sponsors, I believe that within one to two years we will witness massive progress in this sport.”

Ogunbiyi, while pledging to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote rowing in Nigeria, promised to construct new facilities and also maintain the existing ones.

The vice president, Abdulazeez, in his remarks, corroborated Ogunbiyi’s view, saying the Federation will make rowing, canoeing and sailing an inclusive sport developed across all regions in the country.

The chairman of the electoral committee, Bamiduro, described the election as seamless and transparent, saying strict adherence to rules and regulations ensured its credibility.

He said, “This is one of the freest and fairest elections conducted in recent times. My charge to the new board is to work in unity and harmony to move the Federation forward.”

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