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Lagos, Nigeria – The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, has urged the Navy Sailing Club in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, to focus on discovering talents that could represent Nigeria in future Olympic Games.
This call was made during the inaugural BAO Boat Race held at the club’s waterfront over the weekend.
Rear Admiral Hassan, represented by Commodore Abolade Ogunleye, emphasized the importance of regular races to improve sailors’ performances, potentially making them strong contenders for international competitions such as the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He also commended the efforts of the BAO Boat Race sponsors and encouraged club members to support and sponsor more races to uncover and train new talents.
“Races like what we’re witnessing today can be projected outside the shore of Nigeria through participating in the Olympic water sports,” said Ogunleye. He also highlighted the need for refurbishing and replacing the club’s ailing facilities to ensure they meet international standards.
At the BAO Boat Race, Jothan Japhet won the Open Water Swimming event for kids, ahead of Chiamaka Orji. In the main GP14 race, Moses Orugbami and Nwankwo Raymond emerged as overall winners, followed by Orji Monday and Orji Chididu in second place, with Sampson S. Chima and Aliyu Yakubu in third.
In the Laser category, Abdulsalam Jamilu took first place, leading Amaefulam Dozie and Sub Lt. Anum Precious, who finished second and third respectively. In the Kayak boys event, Alaba Joseph triumphed over Jason Japhet and Kazeem Ibrahim. Pataka Esther won the Women’s Kayak event, followed by Deborah Ogouoko and Odoh Sandra.
Aliyu Yakubu demonstrated his prowess in the Men’s Kayak event, outpacing Amaefulam Dozie and Orji. Additionally, Alaba Joseph, Jason Japhet, and Amaefuleh Blessed were the top performers in the Open Water Swimming for boys aged 10-16, while Benedicta Japhet led Nwankwo Jessica and Nwankwo Jacinta in the girls’ category.
Sponsors of the Boat Race Commodore Mutairu Braimah, Captain Festus Adewuyi and Engr. Francis Olo in separate interviews stated that they decided to join hands to hold the race as a way of sustaining the sailing culture of the club while tasking other members to join forces for more of such races as a way of keeping the sailors busy.
Commodore Braimah, who is also the Commander NNS Wey noted that given the support of other sponsors of races, it is only necessary to also show that members of the club are capable of holding races too.
Chairman of the interim management committee of the Navy Sailing Club, Captain Festus Adewuyi in his remarks noted that the BAO Boat Race will be an annual event.
