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Rear Admiral Patrick Meteke has offered to sponsor a future race for the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club, as the club used its 2026 Independence Day Commodore’s Race to showcase water sports and recruit children as young as two.
Meteke, the Special Guest of Honour, commended the club for organising an event that gave participants a fitting way to mark Independence Day. He said the day was exciting and that he enjoyed every bit of it.
“I want to appreciate the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club for putting together this event,” he said. “It is a good way to celebrate our Independence Day.”
He described the regatta as more than a contest, calling it a platform to showcase sportsmanship and an opportunity to make friends, exchange ideas and enjoy healthy recreation. He congratulated all participants and expressed the hope that the event would remain a regular fixture.
Asked to assess Nigeria’s record in sports, the Rear Admiral said the country has always been at the forefront. “We cannot talk about sports around the world without mentioning Nigeria,” he said. “We are a sporting nation, and Nigeria has been doing very well.”
On whether he would take part in the race or join the club, Meteke said he would show up whenever called upon, joking that he already considers himself an honorary member.
“I am part and parcel of the club,” he said. He added: “I am happy to support the club and its activities whenever the opportunity arises.”
The Club Commodore, Lt.Cdr Emmanuel Emeana described the day as a well-planned showcase of water sports, including kayaking, swimming and GP14 and Laser sailing.
“We are trying to catch them young. Our programme now is to groom swimmers, kayakers and other sports enthusiasts who will represent us in championships, both local and international,” he said. “At this time of Independence, or any other time, we have to celebrate water sports.”
Explaining what was different this year, he said organisers decided to be dynamic by introducing prizes and gifts for winners, and promised training for participants.
Chairman of the organising committee, Levi Abalogu, said the event was well organised and enjoyed a large turnout.
“This event, the Commodore’s Independence Day race, is a traditional event. It comes once a year, every first of October, after the AGM that brings in the new executive of the club,” he said.
He thanked God for good weather, noting that the race is normally disrupted by rain. “You can see our kids in high spirit. All our sailors, all the athletes, they are in high spirit. If you look at the water now, you see the young boys, small boys, swimming. We are catching them really young here, because the age starts from two years upwards,” Abalogu said.
“Our main target is to ensure that we have athletes that will represent Nigeria in international competitions.”
He said members rallied behind the committee despite the harsh economic situation. “The club is like one family. We stand by each other. They supported us hugely, financially, morally and in terms of advice,” he said, adding that all past Commodores turned out to back the new Club Commodore.
Speaking on the country, Abalogu said he remains hopeful. “I am one of the people that believe that it will be better in Nigeria. I have high hope that one day we will sing a good song for Nigeria.”
The Club Commodore described the day as a well-planned showcase of water sports, including kayaking, swimming and GP14 and Laser sailing.
“We are trying to catch them young. Our programme now is to groom swimmers, kayakers and other sports enthusiasts who will represent us in championships, both local and international,” he said. “At this time of Independence, or any other time, we have to celebrate water sports.”
Explaining what was different this year, he said organisers decided to be dynamic by introducing prizes and gifts for winners, and promised training for participants.
In the men’s kayak event, PO PTI Ajimosu T won, ahead of OS PTI Kehinde Solomon in second and Amaefuleh Chiedoziem in third. The women’s event was won by WO PTI Gift Alaba, with WO PTI Okpara Prisca second and Orji Betty Emmanuela third.
In the GP14 class, Orji Chinedu and Betty Emmanuela Orji took first place, Amaefuleh Chiedoziem and Chibueze Amaefula were second, while Chima Sampson and Gift Alaba finished third. In the Laser class, AB Abdulsalam won, followed by Excel Orji and Ekiye Joseph.
Among the juniors in kayaking, Alaba Joseph won the boys’ event, with Aminu Abubakar Giginya second and Orji Chidindu third. In the girls’ category, Kucheli Joy Madu-Wakili came first, Orji Excel Nkiruka second and Chisom Nwankwo third.
In swimming, Aminu Abubakar Giginya won the men’s race, ahead of Joseph Alaba and Yusuf Ibrahim. Gift Alaba took the women’s title, with Excel Orji Nkiruka second and Nwankwo Stephanie Chisom third.
Christopher Isaac Umoh won the boys’ swimming race, followed by Ezimako Chinaza and Sylvester Isaac Umoh. In the girls’ event, Chioma Orji finished first, Chinaza Orji second and Ezimako Angel third.
In the kids’ category, Lucas Isaac Umoh won the boys’ race, with Ebube Okpala second and Alaba Korode third. Orji Chiamaka won the girls’ race, which had no second or third-place finishers.
In the “Catch Them Young” event, Timothy Mdolaki Mamman came first, Hanny Isaac Umoh second and Abdulsalam Mamim third.
