Olumide Oyedeji Makes History As First African Elected World Olympians Association Secretary General

Olumide Oyedeji Makes History As First African Elected World Olympians Association Secretary General

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated former Nigerian international basketball star and sports administrator, Olumide Oyedeji, following his election as Secretary General of the World Olympians Association (WOA).

Oyedeji was elected at the Association’s Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, a landmark achievement that further strengthens Nigeria’s presence within global Olympic and sports governance circles. His election is historic, as he becomes the first African to hold the position since the establishment of the World Olympians Association.

In a congratulatory message, the NSC described the development as a well-earned recognition of Oyedeji’s decades of service, integrity, and consistent commitment to sports development and athlete welfare at both national and international levels.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, hailed the election as a moment of national pride, praising Oyedeji’s leadership and lifelong dedication to sport.

“Olumide Oyedeji’s election as Secretary General of the World Olympians Association is a proud moment for Nigeria and a clear recognition of his integrity, leadership, and lifelong service to sport and athlete welfare,” Olopade said. “He has consistently represented our nation with distinction, both on and off the court, and we are confident that he will uphold the values of the Olympic movement while flying the Nigerian flag with pride on the global stage.”

Reacting to his election, Oyedeji expressed appreciation to Nigerian sports authorities for their continued support throughout his career.

“I sincerely appreciate the Director General and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission for the support they have consistently given to me and to all those striving to place Nigeria prominently on the global sporting map,” he said. “I promise to always uphold the name of our country and serve with dedication.”

Oyedeji is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished basketball players. He captained the national team to its first-ever AfroBasket gold medal in Tunisia in 2015 and won silver medals at the FIBA Africa Nations Cup in 1997, 1999, and 2003, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s emergence as a continental basketball powerhouse.

He also led the Nigerian men’s basketball team to its maiden gold medal at the 2011 All Africa Games in Maputo and served as team captain from 2006 to 2016, representing the country at the All Africa Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic Games.

Beyond his playing career, Oyedeji has remained influential in sports administration. He currently serves as President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Third Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and Chairman of the Nigeria Athletes Commission, where he continues to advocate strongly for athlete representation, development, and welfare.

Newly Elected World Olympians Association Executive Members

President: Pernilla Wiberg (Sweden)

Secretary General: Olumide Oyedeji (Nigeria)

Treasurer: Wei-Tsu “Thomas” (Chinese Taipei)

African Woman Representative: Rosa Rakotozafy (Madagascar)

African Man Representative: Andrew Owusu (Ghana)

American Woman Representative: Claire Carver-Dias (Canada)

American Man Representative: Willie Banks (United States)

Asian Woman Representative: Gilian Akiko Guevara (Philippines)

Asian Man Representative: Deepak Bista (Nepal)

European Woman Representative: Stavroula Kozompoli (Greece)

European Man Representative: Igor Boraska (Croatia)

Oceania Woman Representative: Julia Bell (Australia)

Oceania Man Representative: Carl Probert (Fiji)