24 Hours To Inauguration, Nigerian Judo Breaks New Ground, Gets Japanese Word To Build Dojo

IKPO IGBINOBA 

While other newly elected boards of sports federations are still waiting to be inaugurated, the Oshodi-led Nigeria Judo Federation, NJF board has already hit the ground running.

The boards of sports federations would be inaugurated by the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare on Friday, October, 8 in Abuja. 

But Dr.Musa Oshodi who’s on a messianic mission to restore the brutally battered Nigeria judo to its glorious days has no time to waste.

On Thursday, Oshodi who is the first judoka to head the NJF, led a three-man delegation to the Embassy of Japan to pay a courtesy call on the ambassador, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi in Abuja.

Oshodi’s decision to kick off his tenure with the trip was strategic and deliberate.

Other members of the delegation were vice-president of the federation, Mrs Loveth Howell and the chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association, Mr. Sheriff Hammed. 

After thanking the ambassador for receiving the delegation, Oshodi explained the reason for paying the visit to the Embassy of Japan.

“We decided to be here to pay a courtesy call on the originators of our sport judo and get their blessings”, he said.

Dr. Oshodi stressed the need for the embassy to facilitate a partnership between corporate Japan and Nigeria Judo with a view to assisting with the provision of equipment and facilities.

The ambassador who was excited at the trip noted that the trip was special happening in the year Japan hosted the Tokyo Olympics.

He said though the present business climate was tough because of the Covid 19 pandemic, he would help out with some judogi and tatami mat through a Non-Governmental Organisation.

Mr. Kazuyoshi revealed that there was a Japanese fund for the construction of a dojo in Nigeria and promised to get in touch with the relevant contacts.

In his response to the revelation, Oshodi said a proper site would be secured for the project after relevant feasibility studies and environmental impact assessment have been carried out.

Mr. Kazuyoshi who said he taught policemen and children judo fifty-five years ago admonished the NJF delegation to spread judo beyond children’s participation.

According to him “Fifty-five years ago, I taught policemen and children judo for their protection. 

“If the government can be involved to promote judo for children but also to the police, it will make the sport spread”.

Oshodi in his response said part of the NJF plan was to propagate judo through all segments of society while emphasising the physical, economic and health benefits of the sport to the nation.

The NJF said 500 females were active judokas in response to the envoy’s inquiry. He also informed the ambassador that judo got official acceptance in Nigeria in 1973.

“Judo started officially in Nigeria in 1973. In the beginning, there was a lot of interest from the populace with many wanting to identify with the sport.

“All that has changed and that’s why we are here to seek your support so that Nigeria judo can regain her lost glory”.