By Tony Nezianya
”It is with a heart shattered by grief that I on behalf of the board and the Olympic Movement in Nigeria, I bid farewell to Dr Chamberlaon Nnamdi Dunkwu,” declared NOC President, Gumel.
Chamberlain as as he was widely known died in the early hours of Saturday.
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’.
Watching him lead with such infectious energy and clarity of vision brought me a pride that words can barely capture.
At 54, he was in the absolute prime of his life—just beginning to realise the bold transformation he imagined for Nigerian aquatic sports.
Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu didn’t just manage a federation; he breathed life into it.
”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.”
The circumstances that has added to the grief was that he died on a day his colleagues at the Olympic Movement, friends and political associates were awaiting his arrival at the Swimming Pool of at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja for the formal launch of ‘Swim to future’ he planned to personally sponsor.
”Chamberlain my son, go in peace. Your gestures life and dreams will not be forgotten,’’ noted Gumel.
(Contact: Tony Nezianya, NOC PRO
08033034910
tonynezianya@gmail.com)