The Bayelsa State Athletics Association has appointed Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe as its new Chairman, following the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Godwin Oghogho.
The appointment was conveyed in an official letter signed by Mr. Andrew Aye, Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council. The letter cited Dr. Oredipe’s sustained contributions to the development of athletics in Bayelsa State over the past five years as a key factor in the decision.
Dr. Oredipe, a former middle-distance runner, previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association. He is also a board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), where he currently holds the position of Auditor.
In the letter, Mr. Aye praised Dr. Oredipe’s leadership credentials and commitment to sports development, urging him to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to further strengthen athletics in the state.
Beyond sports administration, Dr. Oredipe is a seasoned broadcaster and currently serves as Director-General of the Bayelsa State Government New Media Directorate, a role that places him at the intersection of governance, communication, and public engagement.
He is also the founder of SamKay Athletics Club, based in Yenagoa, a grassroots initiative credited with discovering and nurturing young track and field talents. Several athletes developed by the club have represented Bayelsa State at national competitions, with some progressing to international representation for Nigeria.
Observers within the sports community view Dr. Oredipe’s appointment as a strategic boost for grassroots athletics development in Bayelsa, given his combined experience as a former athlete, sports administrator, talent developer, and media professional.
With his elevation, expectations are high that the Bayelsa State Athletics Association will consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities for emerging athletes across the state.
