NOC President mourns the passing of NTF Leader, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju

The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), describing it as a monumental loss to the Nigerian sports community.

Engr. Akindoju was a distinguished sports administrator and a pillar of the Nigeria Olympic Movement. His tenure as NTF President was marked by unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and a deep passion for the growth of tennis in Nigeria and across Africa.

Beyond his national contributions, he served as Treasurer of the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT), and held several influential roles including membership on the NOC Executive Board, Chairmanship of the Nigeria House Project Committee for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and Presidency of the Abuja Country Club.

A staunch advocate for grassroots development, Engr. Akindoju worked tirelessly to nurture young talent and elevate Nigerian tennis to global standards. His legacy includes personal sponsorship of tournaments such as the annual VEMP Open and generous support through his company, Dayak Nigeria Limited, which helped provide international exposure for players and officials.

In a statement issued by NOC Public Relations Officer Tony Nezianya, Engr. Gumel paid tribute to his colleague’s enduring impact.

‘His death is a huge loss, not only to the tennis family he left behind but to the entire Olympic Movement and the sport of arm wrestling, which he was also closely associated with,’ said Gumel.

‘I pray that the Almighty God forgives his transgressions and grants him eternal rest, while comforting his family and all who mourn him.’

The NOC and the wider sports community await further directives from the Akindoju family regarding funeral arrangements.