By Aderonke Ojo
The North Central Taekwondo Association has held a regional seminar and Kukkiwon Dan Testing/Promotion in Lafia, bringing together coaches and athletes from across the six states of the North Central region.
The event, organised by the North Central Taekwondo Representative and Vice President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master (Rev’d) Godwin Abba, attracted participants from Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The seminar focused on strengthening technical knowledge and practical skills among coaches and athletes, with participants receiving training on contemporary techniques, theories and rules of the World Taekwondo (WT). The organisers said the programme was designed to improve participants’ performance both as coaches and competitive athletes.
A major highlight of the event was the Kukkiwon Black Belt grading, during which 16 coaches and athletes were examined for promotion to different Dan levels.
Fourteen of the candidates who participated in the grading were sponsored by Grand Master (Rev’d) Godwin Abba, in what organisers described as a significant demonstration of his commitment to the development and growth of Taekwondo in the North Central region.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Youth and Sports Commission, Dr. Stephen Illiya, who also represented the Commissioner for Youth and Sports. Also present was Professor Charles A. Iortima, Chairman of the Sports Committee, who represented the Vice Chancellor of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Benue State.
The training and grading sessions were conducted by a team of experienced Taekwondo practitioners and administrators, including Grand Master Dominic Bassey, one of the founding pillars of Taekwondo in Nigeria; Grand Master Steve Adah; Grand Master Abdul Yusuf, Vice President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt Committee (NTBBC); Coach Santos Akhilele, a veteran international coach and certified Level II World Taekwondo coach; and Master Christian Omabe, Chairman of the FCT Taekwondo Coaches Association.
The gathering provided an opportunity for practitioners from across the zone to strengthen professional relationships, exchange knowledge and promote greater unity within the Taekwondo community.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the organisers expressed optimism that the North Central zone would continue to witness bigger and more impactful Taekwondo events in the future, with sustained support from stakeholders.
The organisers also commended the Directors, Permanent Secretaries and Chairmen of Youth and Sports Commissions across the North Central states for their support and commitment to the development of sports in the region.
They further expressed appreciation to the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation for his leadership and support towards the advancement of Taekwondo in Nigeria.
The event also served as an occasion to celebrate the North Central Zonal Coordinator and recognise the contributions of coaches, administrators, athletes and other stakeholders to the continued growth of the sport in the region.
