Odebode is PCN’s new president

Sunday Odebode has become the new president of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria following his victory at a two-day elective congress held in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday.

Odebode from Para Table Tennis, pulled 12 out of the total 19 votes cast to defeat president of Amputee Football, Paul Maduakor, (five votes), Charles Ezenwanne of Powerlifting (two votes ) and Commissioner of Police, Anderson Bankole of Para Table Tennis, who had no vote.

For other positions, Shodipo Ayinde Lateef of Tennis was elected First Vice President unopposed, while Flora Ugwunwa (Para Athletics) emerged as Second Vice President unopposed.

The incumbent Secretary General, Issah Suleiman, retained his position as he got 11 votes against eight polled by his opponent, Kayode Ladele (president, Sitting Volleyball).

Douglas Agbado was elected as assistant secretary general unopposed, while Etti Olawale (president, Para Athletics) got 12 votes against the seven votes garnered by Amobi Chikwendu Emmanuel (president, Para Swimming) to become treasurer.

Silver Ezeikpe, representing the South East, region was also elected into the board, which was immediately inaugurated by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development’s legal adviser.

In his acceptance speech, Odebode promised to involve the private sector in his programmes and also run an all-inclusive administration. Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, while inaugurating the board, affirmed his ministry’s belief in Para Sports and advised the board to hit the ground running, especially as the Paris 2024 Paralympics qualifiers have already started.