As elections for various sporting federations draw near, one name stands out in Bayelsa State’s athletics scene—Dr. Kola Oredipe. A visionary leader and passionate advocate for sports development, Dr. Oredipe is vying for a seat on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) as the South-South zonal representative.
A Proven Track Record in Athletics and Journalism
Dr. Oredipe, founder of Samkay Athletics Club in Yenagoa, is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience covering the Niger Delta region. His deep-rooted passion for athletics aligns with George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel’s timeless quote: “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” This commitment has fueled his efforts to reposition athletics in Bayelsa State.
A former athlete himself, Dr. Oredipe competed in the 800m, 1500m, and 3000m steeplechase events. He represented the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in two Nigerian University Games (NUGA) editions—Bayero University, Kano in 1997 and the University of Lagos in 1998—before continuing to participate in athletics classics across Makurdi, Benue, and Lagos State.
Beyond his personal sporting achievements, Dr. Oredipe has made significant contributions to athletics administration. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association and has played an instrumental role in stabilizing the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in both Rivers and Bayelsa States.
Leadership in Media and Sports Development
Dr. Oredipe’s career in journalism further solidifies his influence in sports development. Appointed acting General Manager of Radio Nigeria Creek FM 106.5 in Yenagoa in 2018, he previously worked as a reporter and editor for the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), covering South-South regional affairs.
His commitment to grassroots sports is evident through the establishment of Samkay Athletics Club, where he has successfully hosted four editions of Secondary School Athletics meets. He has also donated equipment and kits to the Bayelsa State Sports Council to enhance athlete performance.
Vision for South-South Athletics
Dr. Oredipe’s bid for the AFN board is driven by his mission to revitalize athletics at the grassroots level. His key objectives include:
- Developing programs to nurture home-grown athletes in the South-South region.
- Establishing regular athletics meets for junior and senior categories across states.
- Increasing the training of technical officials and referees within the zone.
- Securing sponsorship and partnerships for athletics competitions and scholarship opportunities for young talent.
- Advocating for enhanced maintenance of sports facilities by state governments.
With a proven history of dedication to athletics, media, and youth development, Dr. Oredipe’s candidacy promises renewed growth for athletics in South-South Nigeria. His vision for structured progress and collaboration with higher institutions underscores his commitment to fostering the next generation of track and field stars.
