At Long Last, NJF President, Oshodi Gets Deserved Upgrade

IKPO IGBINOBA 

After several years of meritorious service to Nigeria judo, the President of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Dr. Musa Oshodi finally got his deserved due at the Police College, Ikeja on Friday.

He was elevated to the 5th Dan by the Grading Committee of the Nigeria Judo Federation. 

The ceremony was performed by Messrs Edokpolor Ihaza, Obed Ogunedo and Dickson Egbowon of the Grading Committee.

In a brief citation before the award, the Grading Committee acknowledged Oshodi’s selfless service to the development of judo not only in his South West stronghold but across the country. 

The committee also praised him for his determination over the years to ensure that the judo federation was run by a judoka in line with the International Judo Federation, IJF statutes. 

The Grading Committee also noted that being the first Judoka to head the NJF, he deserved to be elevated.

Before his election as NJF President in September this year, Oshodi, who is the chairman of the Oyo State Judo Association had been the backbone of judo in the South West.

The Oshodi Judo Foundation which he founded almost two decades ago has been at the forefront of judo development in the country.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Oshodi thanked the Grading Committee for the gesture. 

He described the elevation as a challenge to him to do more for Nigeria judo.

“I thank the Grading Committee for this great honour bestowed on me by elevating me. I am profoundly grateful to the Committee for considering me worthy of the honour. 

“I accept the elevation as an honour and also as a challenge to do more. And I will do more with the support of all the stakeholders”.

The NJF President said the award belonged to all Nigerian judokas who were ready to give their all to the current drive by the present administration to reposition the sport.