NAqF President Outlines Major 2026 National Swimming Programs

The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Hon. Chamberlain Dunkwu, has outlined details for all major upcoming national swimming programs and competitions for 2026. This was announced on Monday during a press briefing at the Media Centre, Package A, National Stadium, Abuja.

Addressing the press, Hon. Dunkwu stated that the federation has three grassroots events scheduled to help develop the sport in Nigeria. These include “Swim to the Future“, the first-ever Inter-School Swimming Competition and the National Junior Swimming Championship in Lagos, tagged “Swim for Life”.

The president emphasized that the goal is to build the future of the sport by investing vigorously in grassroots development.

“Today marks a defining moment for aquatics development in Nigeria. We are not merely announcing events; we are unveling a vision, a pathway, and a promise to the future of Nigeria swimming.

We have taken a deliberate and strategic decision: the future of our sport must be built from the grassroots upward. 

Let me be very clear NAqF is investing vigorously in grassroots development, we are widening the base, strengthening school sports, improving competitive exposure, and building a sys that consistently produces talent not occasionally but continuously.”

He further noted that the federation prioritizes long-term success over short-term wins.To lead by example, Hon. Dunkwu announced he would personally sponsor the “Swim to the Future” event.

“We are not chasing short-term success. We are building a future-proof structure one that develops athletes holistically, empowers coaches, strengthens technical capacity, and instills discipline and life skills through sport. We will not just host competitions we will host the future of the Nigeria aquatics.

We as executives are not just elected as just board members, our impact must be felt in the life of swimmers our impact in the life of our technical officials. And that is why this swim to future program will be sponsored by myself, and founds will be made available for this all important program that is coming up in March.”

Additionally, Hon. Dunkwu formally introduced the federation’s marketing consultant, Thrive Resource Centre, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen branding, partnerships, and commercial growth.

Catherine Enaohwo, Founder/CEO of Thrive Resource Centre, expressed her honor in joining the journey, noting that their focus is on human capital development and securing consistent, long-term funding for the federation.

“We are very honored to be part of this journey that this leadership is embarking on.

We looking at the strategy and structure that we want to use to ensure that we are able to get the swimmers at a young age, groom them and make sure they get the international recognition they need. As an organization our focus is human capital development. We aim to get consistent funding for the federation.”

These initiatives align with the Federation’s commitment to sustainable growth—aiming to produce more talents like Abduljabar Adama, who made history as the first Nigerian to win a medal at the World Aquatics Junior Championship.

Abuja will host Swim to the Future on March 7, 2026.While the first of its kind which is the Inter-School Swimming Competition, holds from 25th–27th March 2026 and the National Junior Swimming Championship, Lagos, tagged “Swim for Life”, slated for 2nd – 4th April 2026.