The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Chamberlain Dunkwu, has unveiled a comprehensive line-up of grassroots initiatives alongside the federation’s national swimming programmes and competitions scheduled for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to grassroots development and the long-term growth of the sport.
The announcement was made on Monday during a press briefing at the Media Centre, Package A, National Stadium, Abuja.
The programmes include three major grassroots events, among them the maiden inter-school swimming competition tagged Swim to the Future, as well as the National Junior Swimming Championship, tagged Swim for Life, both scheduled to take place in 2026.
Swim to the Future will be held in Abuja on March 7, before the activities move to Lagos for the inter-school swimming competition from March 25 to 27, followed by the National Junior Swimming Championship (Swim for Life) from April 2 to 4.
According to the NAqF president, the emphasis on grassroots development is deliberate and central to the federation’s long-term vision.
“We have taken a deliberate and strategic decision: the future of our sport must be built from the grassroots up.
“NAF is investing vigorously in grassroots development—widening the base, strengthening school sports, improving competitive exposure and building a system that consistently produces talent, not occasionally but continuously,” Dunkwu said.
In a move to demonstrate leadership and personal commitment, the NAqF president announced that he would personally sponsor the Swim to the Future programme scheduled to hold in Abuja.
“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 instils discipline and life skills through sport.
“As executives, our impact must be felt in the lives of swimmers and technical officials. That is why I will personally sponsor the Swim to the Future programme, with funds made available to ensure its successful delivery in March,” he added.
As part of efforts to strengthen the federation’s branding, partnerships and commercial viability, Dunkwu also formally introduced Thrive Resource Centre as the federation’s official marketing consultant.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thrive Resource Centre, Catherine Enaohwo, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with the federation and outlined the organisation’s focus on sustainable funding, strategic partnerships and human capital development within Nigerian aquatics.
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