The newly elected president of Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, Akin Ogunbiyi has promised to ensure that extra attention will be given to the development of infrastructure available for the sport all across the country.
Sports247 reports that Ogunbiyi said as much after he got the nod to take over the saddle of rowing, canoeing and sailing from Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (retired), as he contested unopposed and garnered all 13 votes cast at the body’s elective assembly in the media centre of Moshood Abiola National Staddium, Abuja.
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He quickly outlined his vision and mission for the aquatic sport, which he believes can help in ongoing efforts to build a better and stronger image about Nigeria globally.
Ogunbiyi stated, “Infrastructure development would be very, very paramount in our programme and, of course, scouting for talents across the nation.
“We have water in abundance in this country, and we can get sports out of it … but nobody recognises that fact.”
The new canoeing top shot added that he wants to take Nigeria up to the same level of water sports that is applicable in Europe, but admitted that the federation would need far-reaching support from various sources and corporate bodies in order to achieve all its plans.
Ogunbiyi further pointed out, “We see them abroad, and now we can see it in Nigeria. We have come and we have arrived. We are going to take it from where Admiral Porbeni left it.
“This new board will ensure that, by God’s grace, there will be rapid growth and development of this sport in the next few years. This board is going to lead the way, and we are going to charge it going forward. We also hope that the cooperation we are getting from every agency of government will keep on coming.”
