The Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, has expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, for their swift intervention in resolving the leadership crisis that rocked the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF).
Senator Imasuen, who also lauded Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, for his pivotal role in restoring peace, made the remarks on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, during the flag-off of the maiden Benin Unity Cup football tournament.
He recalled that tensions had flared in the Judo Federation following the election of Jude Atoe as General Secretary, alleging attempts by some individuals to oust him.
“The situation in the National Judo Federation after their election was a disturbing one, but thank God we were able to resolve it,” Imasuen said. “My appreciation goes to Senator Ningi for assisting us, and to Alhaji Dikko and Hon. Olopade of the National Sports Commission, who acted swiftly and fairly.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Judo Federation has congratulated the National Sports Commission on its one year of “remarkable achievements” under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade.
In a statement marking the anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s bold move to scrap the Federal Ministry of Sports and reorganise the NSC as the nation’s apex sports body, the NJF commended the Commission’s reforms promoting transparency and inclusiveness.
Secretary-General Jude Atoe noted that the NSC’s efforts had “renewed hope and restored confidence across Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem,” pledging the Federation’s continued support for its visionary leadership.