Abuja, March 9, 2026 (NAN) The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has expressed deep shock and grief over the death of Dr Chamberlain Dunkwu, President of the Nigeria Aquatic Sports Federation.
Dunkwu died in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 54.
A statement, signed by the NOC Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, quoted Gumel as describing the death of Dunkwu as a painful loss to the Olympic movement and the entire sporting community in Nigeria.
Gumel said that while Dunkwu was widely known as the President of the Nigeria Aquatic Sports Federation, he was much more to those within the Olympic movement.
“To the world, he was the President of the Nigeria Aquatic Sports Federation; to the Olympic movement in the country, he was a visionary leader.
“But to me, Chamberlain was quite simply a son,” he said.
According to him, watching Dunkwu lead the federation with energy and clarity of purpose brought immense pride to the NOC.
“At 54, he was in the absolute prime of his life — just beginning to realize the bold transformation he imagined for Nigerian aquatic sports.
“Chamberlain didn’t just manage a federation; he breathed life into it,” Gumel added.
The NOC president added that Dunkwu’s loyalty and commitment to the development of athletes in the country stood him out as a remarkable sports administrator.
“His loyalty as a protégé and his passion for our athletes were unmatched.
“This is more than a professional void; it is a profound personal tragedy that leaves the entire Olympic family in shock.
“Circumstances surrounding Dunkwu’s death has further deepened the grief within the sporting community.
“Chamberlain died on a day when colleagues in the Olympic movement, friends and political associates were awaiting his arrival at the swimming pool of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
“He was to officially inaugurate the “Swim to Future” initiative he planned to personally sponsor,” Gumel added.
He prayed for the repose of his soul, saying that his gestures, life and dreams would not be forgotten. (NAN)
