By Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Athletics Association has appointed Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe as its new Chairman, following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past chairman, Mr. Godwin Oghogho.
The appointment was contained in a letter endorsed by the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Mr. Andrew Aye. The letter stated that Dr. Oredipe’s elevation was in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the development of athletics in the state over the past five years.
Mr. Aye congratulated the new chairman and urged him to continue to collaborate with key stakeholders in the athletics community to drive sustained growth and improved performance across the state.
Dr. Oredipe, a former middle-distance runner, was until his appointment the Vice-Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association. He is also a current board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), where he serves as the Auditor.
A seasoned broadcaster, Dr. Oredipe is presently the Director-General of Bayelsa State Government New Media and the founder of SamKay Athletics Club, Yenagoa. The club has played a significant role in discovering and grooming young track and field talents who have represented Bayelsa State at both national and international levels.
Sports stakeholders have expressed confidence in his capacity to strengthen grassroots development, improve athlete welfare, and enhance the overall competitiveness of athletics in the state.
Dr. Oredipe’s appointment is expected to usher in renewed energy and strategic leadership aimed at consolidating existing gains and positioning Bayelsa as a leading force in Nigerian athletics.
