Nigeria’s Olumide Oyedeji has made history as the first African to be elected Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association, securing 55 votes (51.89%) out of 106 valid votes cast. Oyedeji, President of the Nigeria Olympians Association and Third Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), will serve a four-year term on the board alongside President Pernilla Wiberg of Sweden and Treasurer Wei-Tsu Thomas of Chinese Taipei.
Oyedeji’s victory is a proud moment for Nigeria, with his impressive career including being drafted 42nd overall by Seattle SuperSonics in the 2000 NBA Draft, captaining D’Tigers to All-Africa Games gold in 2011, and co-captaining Nigeria’s team to its first AfroBasket title in 2015. He thanked the outgoing Executive Committee and pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, and inclusive leadership.
The new board includes members from Asia, Europe, and Oceania, with Oyedeji promising to work closely with the International Olympic Committee to unite the Olympians’ family, empower associations, and amplify voices. “The association will unite the Olympians’ family, empower associations, amplify voices and translate Olympic values into measurable impact,” he said.
