By Faith Akindele
President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Engr. Chukwudi Elekwachi Dimkpa, has called on all members of the Nigerian karate community to embrace unity, reconciliation, and collective responsibility following the National Sports Commission’s affirmation of his position as President of the Federation.
Describing the Commission’s decision as an opportunity to move beyond differences and focus on the growth of the sport, Dimkpa urged athletes, coaches, referees, officials, state associations, and other stakeholders to work together in building a stronger and more successful Karate Federation of Nigeria.
He commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for upholding due process, fairness, and institutional integrity throughout the process.
According to him, the affirmation should not be viewed as a victory for any individual or group but as a triumph for Nigerian karate.
“There is no winner and no loser. The true winner is Nigerian karate. I therefore call on every member of our karate family to put the past behind us, embrace peace, and join hands in advancing the sport for the benefit of our athletes and the nation,” he said.
Dimkpa also charged stakeholders to support his administration’s vision of transparency, inclusiveness, and collaboration, assuring that every segment of the karate community would have an opportunity to contribute to the Federation’s growth.
He pledged to maintain an open-door policy and called for collective efforts toward developing athletes, strengthening institutional structures, empowering coaches and referees, expanding grassroots participation, and positioning Nigeria among the world’s leading karate nations.
The KFN President further urged members of the Federation to remain committed to professionalism, discipline, and excellence, stressing that the success of his administration would be measured by the progress achieved in transforming the Federation and creating lasting opportunities for the development of karate in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, called on the entire karate community to embrace reconciliation, peace, and harmony.
He also charged the newly affirmed KFN President to sustain an open-door policy, promote inclusiveness, and work closely with all stakeholders to reposition Nigerian karate for greater success at both national and international levels.
