The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has announced September 5, 2026, as the new date for the second edition of its grassroots swimming initiative, ‘Swim to the Future’, with the event set to honour the late federation president, Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu.

The annual programme, which was earlier postponed following the death of Dunkwu, is expected to bring together young swimmers, coaches, schools, clubs and other stakeholders as the federation renews its commitment to grassroots development and talent discovery. Blueprint reports

The rescheduled event will provide an opportunity for the NAqF to celebrate the late president’s contribution to the growth of aquatics in the country while continuing a development programme he strongly believed in.

Event to honour late president

Dunkwu’s death led to the postponement of the programme, but the federation said the decision to hold the second edition in his honour would give the initiative greater significance.

The ‘Swim to the Future’ programme was established to increase participation in swimming at the grassroots, identify promising young athletes and provide them with opportunities to develop their abilities.

The federation said the initiative aligns with its broader objective of creating a sustainable pathway through which talented swimmers can progress from grassroots competitions to national and international levels.

Under the leadership of its current president, Lekan Fatodu, the federation said it would continue to strengthen swimming development while also promoting other aquatic sports across Nigeria.

Fatodu promises pathway for young talents

Speaking on the rescheduled event, Fatodu said the federation was determined to create the right environment for young swimmers to discover their potential and pursue careers in competitive aquatics.

“Swim to the Future is more than a swimming event. It is an investment in the future of Nigerian aquatics,” Fatodu said.

According to him, the initiative is designed not only to discover young talents but also to provide the necessary support and development pathway that could transform them into future national and international champions.

He added that organising the programme in memory of Dunkwu would serve as a reminder of the responsibility of the current leadership to sustain the foundation laid by those who contributed to the development of aquatics in Nigeria.

Children aged 5 to 14 expected

The September 5 event is targeted at children between the ages of five and 14 and is expected to attract young swimmers from schools and swimming clubs.

Coaches, technical officials, parents and other stakeholders in the aquatics community are also expected to participate in the programme.

The federation believes exposing young swimmers to competitive environments at an early age will help them gain experience, develop confidence and identify areas requiring further improvement.

Beyond competition, the programme is expected to promote greater interest in swimming among children and encourage schools and clubs to invest more in the development of young athletes.

Continuing Dunkwu’s vision

Fatodu said the federation could not discuss the future of Nigerian aquatics without recognising individuals who had invested their time and resources in building the sport.

“Dr Chamberlain Dunkwu believed strongly in the potential of our young people. This edition of Swim to the Future is therefore a celebration of that vision and a commitment to continuing the work he started,” he said.

The federation said the event would therefore combine remembrance with a forward-looking commitment to youth development.

It added that the ultimate objective was to build a stronger grassroots structure capable of producing athletes who can represent Nigeria successfully at continental and global competitions.

Federation seeks wider participation

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation has consequently called on parents, schools, swimming clubs, coaches, stakeholders and lovers of aquatics to support the initiative.

The federation said their involvement would be important to the success of the programme and the broader effort to develop a new generation of Nigerian swimmers.

With the new date now fixed for September 5, the federation is expected to intensify preparations for the event as it seeks to use the platform to identify promising talents and deepen grassroots participation in swimming.

The second edition of ‘Swim to the Future’ will thus serve a dual purpose: honouring the memory and legacy of Dunkwu while providing young Nigerians with an opportunity to take their first steps towards becoming future stars of Nigerian aquatics.