NHF Elections: Commonwealth Handball Chief Saidu Pledges Innovation, Transparency

NHF Elections: Commonwealth Handball Chief Saidu Pledges Innovation, Transparency

By Niyi Busari 

Jibril Ojih Saidu, a seasoned sports administrator and current Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Handball Association, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of the Nigerian Handball Federation (NHF). In a detailed interview ahead of the NHF elections slated for August 15, 2025, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Saidu outlined a comprehensive reform agenda focused on innovation, transparency, and grassroots development, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Saidu, who also serves as the North Central representative on the NHF board and leads the Mega Handball Veterans of Abuja, emphasized the need for transformational leadership to elevate Nigerian handball to global standards.

“Change is inevitable. My vision as president is to remodel handball for a better tomorrow,” Saidu stated, acknowledging the contributions of previous leaders while asserting the urgent need for modernization. “The game now extends beyond the court—it’s about strategic innovation, structured planning, and effective coordination.”

Saidu's credentials are deeply rooted in both national and international handball spheres. He is only the second Nigerian to hold the office of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Handball Association, following General Ishola Williams (rtd.). A Fellow of the Society of Nigerian Surveyors and a former player himself, Saidu brings a unique combination of technical expertise and administrative experience.

When asked what differentiates him from other candidates, Saidu pointed to his values and leadership style. “Interest, quietness, sincerity, openness, and transparency. These are the principles I stand by,” he said.

If elected, Saidu has pledged to prioritize key areas including player welfare, infrastructure development, and accessibility to basic equipment. “In the first 100 days, we will distribute more handballs, upgrade training facilities, and build additional courts across the country,” he said. “The needs of players must come first.”

A central element of his campaign is a robust grassroots revival strategy. Saidu proposes a decentralized structure that empowers zonal representatives, treating them as zonal presidents with specific mandates for regional talent development. “Leadership must return to the grassroots,” he emphasized. “Each zone should nurture its own talent base to contribute to the national team.”

He also addressed current gaps in coaching and officiating, committing to technical capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with international bodies. “We’ll seek support from the Confederation of African Handball (CAHF) and the International Handball Federation (IHF),” Saidu said, adding that a “Train the Trainer” model would be implemented to ensure knowledge transfer at all levels.

Additionally, Saidu expressed his intention to re-engage the military and paramilitary institutions—once pillars of Nigerian handball—to revive their critical role in the sport’s development.

The National Sports Commission has confirmed that nomination forms for the election will be available from August 1 to August 4. Zonal elections are scheduled for August 9, with the main NHF elections and subsequent inauguration set for August 15 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.