The NSC (National Sports Commission) has expressed sadness over the death of Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, saying his passing has created a significant vacuum in Nigeria’s sporting community, ENigeria Newspaper learnt.
Dunkwu, who served as president of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, was widely known for his commitment to the growth of aquatic sports in the country. His leadership was marked by efforts to strengthen swimming and other water-based disciplines while opening pathways for emerging athletes to compete at both national and international levels.
Reacting to the development, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, in a statement obtained by ENigeria Newspaper, described the late sports administrator as a passionate advocate for youth development through sports.
“The news of Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu’s passing is profoundly upsetting. He was a dedicated sports administrator who committed his energies to the expansion of aquatic sports in Nigeria. His enthusiasm for unearthing and cultivating young talent will not be overlooked,” Olopade said in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kola Daniel.
He added that Dunkwu firmly believed in the power of sports to positively shape the lives of young people and remained committed to that vision throughout his time in office.
“Dr. Dunkwu held a strong conviction in sport’s capacity to revolutionise lives, particularly amongst young individuals. His vision for aquatic sports development was unequivocal, and his commitment to that objective was truly commendable. The Nigerian sports family will undoubtedly miss his leadership, sagacity, and zeal,” he said.
During his leadership of the federation, aquatic sports received renewed attention, particularly through grassroots development initiatives and improved support for athletes, alongside stronger collaboration within the wider Nigerian sports sector.
In addition to his work in sports administration, Dunkwu served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives’ Deputy Chief of Staff, where he assisted with administrative coordination within the National Assembly.
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Dunkwu’s family, and the Nigerian sports community as a whole received condolences from the National Sports Commission, which also noted that his contributions to aquatic sports would live on as a lasting legacy.
