Comrade Jude Atoe has been elected into the Judo Federation of Nigeria as the first elected Secretary General at the General Congress, held in Abuja on Thursday September 11, 2025, platinumnewsng.com is reporting
The newly adopted Constitution of the Judo Federation of Nigeria marks a major departure from the past system, where the Secretary General was appointed by the National Sports Commission on a rotational basis. Under the new structure, all executives are now elected from among the sport’s stakeholders, who will be directly responsible for steering its progress—or decline.
This change also empowers the Federation to introduce a much-needed “Reward and Sanction” model of governance, a system considered vital for driving Nigerian sports to the next level.
At the well-attended Elective Congress, which was conducted in an orderly manner, Musa Osho was re-elected as President for another four-year term, reaffirming his dedication to promoting the sport nationwide. The election, held on Thursday in Abuja, was widely commended as free, fair, and transparent. Osho emerged with an emphatic victory, securing all 31 votes cast, thereby returning for a second term with a unanimous 100% endorsement.
Salisu Mohammed polled 36 votes out of 36 votes cast in the position of Vice President, while Janet Adakwu Nwagwu scored 34 votes out of a total of 36 3casted in the position of Treasurer.
The Secretary General-elect, Mr Jude At, is a seasoned Sports Administrator who has served in different offices, such as being the PA to the famous “Juju Man” Mr Brown Ebewele of blessed memory in Edo State. He moved on to be an SSA to the first Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Barr. Godwin Dudu Orumen. He was later moved to the Edo State Ministry of Education as the Acting Director of Sports.
Mr Atoe is a Graduate of the University of Benin where he represented the Educational Institution in Judo. He is a Gold Medalist at the NUGA Games and is a two-time Gold Medalist at WAUG held at Uniben. A Martial Arts Consultant-Coach at Uniben Judo Club. Jude Atoe was a one-time Edo State General Captain to the National Sports Festival, winning Gold Medals in the Heavyweight category of Judo, and a National champion in the Heavyweight category of the Judo National Team. He also competed in Rugby where he won a Gold medal for Edo State at the 2006 Gateway Games.
A two-time African Games bronze medallist, Franca Audu emerged as the Athlete Representative on the board, winning with 25 out of 25 votes cast while Amos Iliya clinched the position of Technical Representative, securing 25 out of 26 votes.
The Zonal representatives elected to the board include: Salisu Mohammed Aliyu (North West); Ado Umar Garko (North East); Damisa Suleiman (North Central); Musa Oshodi (South West); Esudu Lawrence (South East) and ObongAwan Joyce Frank Udoh (South South).
In his acceptance speech, Mr Jude Atoe specially thanked the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Enabule, who he described as a well-grounded Sports Administrator who has brought good fortunes to Edo State in his short tenure in charge so far.
He pointed out the fact that the Chairman has encouraged everyone to reach the height of their career, which is what has earned him this unique position as the pioneer Secretary General of the Nigeria Judo Federation, a position which hitherto was the preserve of the Federal Ministry of Sports / Sports Commission Staff.
Mr Jude Atoe is married to another national Karate Coach and they both have three children.
We wish him well in his newfound portfolio in the National Sports Administration in Nigeria. This should be e decisive turning point for sports administration in Nigeria where technocrats take charge of their beloved sports, especially the engine room of administration (Secretary General)
According to the President, Dr Musa Oshodi, “This second term is not just a continuation, it’s for consolidation and advancement. We will build on the gains we’ve made and push forward with renewed energy and purpose.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to positioning judo as a premier sport in Nigeria, alongside football, athletics, and wrestling.
Oshodi said, “We can’t focus solely on athletes, our coaches and referees are just as important. Coaches train them, and referees represent our federation on the global stage. We must build their technical and mental capacity.”
Oshodi also stressed the critical role of the media in the growth of judo in Nigeria, describing it as “the soul of any business.”
He added that these grassroots initiatives would be consistent and strategic, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.
Looking ahead, Oshodi outlined the federation’s strategy for international representation, especially with eyes on future Olympic Games.
He emphasised the need for early preparation and close monitoring of elite athletes, many of whom are already training abroad.
”We want to ensure they get access to grants and proper training. Our national coaches will maintain close oversight no matter where these athletes are based,” he added.