Bonaventure Ikeoha
The Nigeria Olympic Committee has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigeria Football Federation chairman, Ibrahim Galadima, describing him as a principled and visionary figure in Nigerian sports administration.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Committee’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, the President of the NOC, Habu Ahmed Gumel, said Galadima’s passing was a huge loss to the Nigerian sporting community.
Gumel, on behalf of the NOC and the Olympic Movement in Nigeria, extended condolences to the Galadima family, the Government and people of Kano State, and the global sports community.
He described the late administrator as a committed leader whose contributions significantly shaped the development of sports in the country.
According to the statement, Galadima was widely respected for his integrity during his tenure as chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association, where he championed transparency and professionalism in football administration.
“As a Patron of the NOC, he provided invaluable guidance and stability, ensuring that the ideals of Olympism were upheld across sporting federations,” the statement read.
The NOC President also highlighted Galadima’s impact on grassroots sports development in Kano State, noting that his efforts remain a model for regional sports growth in Nigeria.
Gumel further described the late sports administrator as a close ally and confidant.
“Ibrahim was a brother, a confidant, and a dependable ally in our collective quest to put Nigeria on the global sporting map. His exit leaves a vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” he said.
He added that Galadima’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations of sports administrators.
Galadima, a former patron of the NOC, was regarded as one of the key figures in the evolution of organised sports administration in Nigeria.
The NOC prayed for the repose of his soul and urged his family to find strength in the legacy he left behind.
