From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Founder of SamKay Athletics Club of Yenagoa and Vice Chairman, Bayelsa State Athletics Association, Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe, is eyeing a board position in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in the forthcoming elections.
A statement issued in Yenagoa on Monday indicated that Dr. Oredipe, a past middle-distance runner in the 90s, and active member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is seeking the support of the stakeholders in the South-South for the position of Zonal Representative on the board.
Oredipe, who competed at two Nigerian University Games in Bayero University, Kano in 1997 and University of Lagos, Akoka in 1998 in 800m, 1,500m and 3000 steeplechase, has been supporting the growth of athletics in Bayelsa State, South- South zone and the country in the past few years.
Dr. Oredipe, who at various times donated various athletics equipment and kits to the Bayelsa State Sports Council and several athletes, has been combing the grassroots and schools to identify talents, provide them with training, running kits and sponsoring them to competitions.
“Dr. Oredipe was a student athlete at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, and trained under late coach Ore Odelusi and later under Coach Lawrence Adegbehingbe.
‘’He was Captain of FUTA contingent to UNILAG in 1998, a team that had the Handball team, Basketball, Combat sports, and others”, the statement said.
‘’Today, Dr. Oredipe has provided kits and mentorship to several young athletes in the Bayelsa State Sports Council since he became the Vice-Chairman of the Association. Among the athletes are rising star, Tima Seikeseye Godbless, Victory Godah, Godwin Tejiri, winner of 100m World School Competition, Long Jumper Opinion Ebitimi Precious, Sophia Efetobore, and Daje Lucky.”
‘’Dr. Oredipe at the moment through his Samkay Athletics Club and Academy, is producing young athletes who have started making impact in the under age competitions including Perezide Sigah (100m) Faye Perfect (100m), Mekioniso Messiah (Long Jump/400m), Samson Teibowei (400m/800m/1500m) and 13-year old Ebimoboere Christopher, who won the cadet girls 100m and 200m races at the MTN Champs/MoC grand finale recently in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In his aspiration, the broadcaster, development communicator has said that he would join hands with the stakeholders to strengthen grassroots and underage athletics development across the South-South region.
According to the statement, Dr. Oredipe has promised to adopt new strategies to seek sustainable corporate sponsorship for various events and participation of athletes on the big stage.
Dr. Oredipe said he would bring his wealth of experience garnered over the years in Sports Journalism and Administration to bear to develop Nigerian athletes for medal placements at future Olympics and other international competitions.
“I am here to serve and continue to support the growth of athletics. Nigeria is a powerhouse, and remember that the South-South is not just the heart of sports but athletics too. We will invest in the children and raise future champions from the six States of Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.”