Make waves: How Admiral Festus Porbeni is directing Nigeria’s rise in global rowing and canoeing

Once overlooked and sub -financed, rowing and canoeing in Nigeria are experiencing a notable transformation, thanks to the relentless efforts of the festus feast porbeni (RTD.), President of the Federation of Remo, Piting and Sailing of Nigeria (NRCSF). An experienced Naval Officer, former Minister of Transportation and Ambassador, Porbeni, has dedicated the last 18 years to reposition aquatic sports in Nigeria, from darkness to international acclamation.

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Although traditionally embedded in the river cultures of states such as Ríos, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos and Ondo for recreation and festivals, rowing and canoeing were never really recognized as serious sports. That narrative is changing quickly. Under the leadership of Porbeni, Nigeria has risen to the eighth in the global ranking and number one in Africa, with more than 40 Olympic medals available in the discipline, but the sport is still marginalized in national events such as the next National Sports Festival in the state of Ogun.

Speaking at the Niger Delta Sports Festival, held at the Marina Waterfront in the state of Akwa Ibom, where it launched the ibom Rowing, Canoeing & Sailing Club, Porbeni denounced the exclusion of aquatic sports from key national platforms. “All Olympic punctuation sports should be automatically part of the National Sports Festival.” He declared, urging the recently reconstituted National Sports Commission to rectify this supervision.

Porbeni’s legacy is already taking shape through stars such as Ayomide Bello, born in a canoe and now the first Olympic canoeist of Nigeria, and Otuedo beauty. The duo recently described for Paris 2024, establishing a remarkable rhythm in the C2 500m women category for women. The base development of the sport is also thriving, with all the career teams in local competitions now produced nationwide and technical trained for international standards.

The highlight of the increasing prominence of the Federation was Nigeria’s dominant performance in the Canoa Carreas Championship of the African Admiral 2023 FBI Porbeni in Abuja, where the Nigeria team won 14 gold medals. More recently, in the African qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games, Nigeria assured three automatic Olympic points, ending second in general.

Porbeni’s dream is not just about medals, but it is about creating a talent pipe that elevates Nigerian young people to global recognition and economic stability. “We are not resting on our oars” He says with conviction. “I want to be remembered for establishing aquatic sports in Nigeria and winning our first Olympic rowing medal and canoeing.”

From the mandate of the largest warship in Nigeria to captain the country’s rise in global aquatic sports, the trip of the rear admiral Porbeni is remodeling the tide for Nigerian athletics, a palette blow at the same time.

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