Big Boost From the Diaspora: Former Commonwealth Champion, Idehen Congratulates NJF President, Oshodi

IKPO IGBINOBA 

One of Nigeria’s top judokas in the diaspora has predicted that the Oshodi Presidency would bring about the long-desired change in the country’s judo.

The former Commonwealth champion, Kelvin Idehen spoke exclusively with me from his United States base during the week.

Exuding supreme confidence, Kelvin declared “It is our prayer that Dr. Musa Oshodi’s administration will bring the  change to judo.”

He continued “From the look of things I have no doubt in my mind that the Nigeria Judo Federation, NJF, is heading the right way”

“His ideas and willingness to collaborate with people is the right track to success”.

The multi medal-winning judoka who was once the captain of the Nigeria Judo team explained why he developed such faith in Oshodi.

According to him “When I called to congratulate him on his election as the President of the NJF, I could feel the positive energy in him”.

The former champion also pledged his total support to the NJF in its bid to reposition Nigeria judo.

“In whatever way, we can assist the NJF to achieve its goal of regaining our country’s lost glory, we won’t hold back.

“Whatever I am today is because of judo and I will forever be grateful to Nigeria for giving me the platform to perform on the big stage. 

“I will always give back to my country for contributing to who I am today”, he said.

Kelvin, who runs a judo club in the United States has over the years supported judo in his home state, Edo in several ways.

Only recently, Kelvin and his Edo kinsmen in the US, Mufu Yahaya and David Osaghae deployed men and resources to Benin City to conduct a refresher programme for coaches, referees and elite judokas.

The programme failed to hold as the deputy governor’s office kept the proposed venue under lock and key
after the resource persons, Messrs Edokpolor Ihaza and Dickson Egbowon had spent a week in Benin City.

The Benin City incident bitter as it was, has not affected Kelvin’s patriotic fervour. In his immediate reaction to the incident, he said “What has just happened in Benin City where efforts by those of us in the diaspora to help in developing our society was frustrated by those in authority is painful and a bitter experience but it won’t deter me and my diaspora brothers from supporting our great state” “We gained so much from the state and we must give back. “Nothing and nobody can stop us”.