The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ifedayo Akindoju, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), describing his death as a huge setback for the country’s sporting community.
NOC President, Habu Gumel, conveyed the message in a statement released on Saturday by the committee’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya.
Gumel noted that Akindoju was not only a leading figure in Nigerian tennis but also a respected sports administrator across Africa.
Until his death, Akindoju was a member of the Nigeria Olympic Movement, Treasurer of the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT), and an active contributor to the development of arm wrestling in the country.
“His passing is a painful loss, not only to the tennis family but also to the entire Olympic Movement,” Gumel said, adding that his dedication and passion for grassroots development left an enduring legacy.
He recalled that Akindoju’s leadership roles went beyond tennis, as he was also a member of the NOC Executive Board, Chairman of the Nigeria House Project for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and President of the Abuja Country Club.
According to Gumel, the late sports administrator invested heavily in nurturing future champions through grassroots tournaments, including the annual VEMP Open, while his company, Dayak Nigeria Limited, consistently sponsored events to give players and officials international exposure.
He prayed for God’s comfort for Akindoju’s family and for strength for the sporting community to bear the loss.
The NOC added that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course by the deceased’s family.