Hon. Chief Dr Jim Chimezie Okolo has been appointed Vice-President of the Nigeria Para Volleyball Federation, as the National Sports Commission (NSC) unveiled new leadership across the country’s Para Sports federations.
The appointment comes as the NSC continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening Para Sports under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s sports economy.
The inauguration of the new federation boards has been widely praised for its transparency and credibility, with several experienced administrators elected to lead key Para Sports bodies.
Among those appointed are Opukiri Michael Jones-Ere (Amputee Football), Etti Rafiu Olawale (Para Athletics), Kingsley James Awodi (Para Powerlifting), Alhaji Kaka Mallam (Para Soccer) and Adeyemi Adeshina Adeola (Para Swimming).
The newly constituted boards are expected to drive greater inclusivity, professionalism and sustainable development across Nigeria’s Para Sports landscape.
Speaking during the inauguration, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko described sports federations as the foundation of Nigeria’s sports development and economy, urging the new executives to build strong institutions capable of delivering lasting progress beyond their respective tenures.
The Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, also congratulated the newly appointed officials, expressing confidence in their ability to strengthen Para Sports while advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of transforming sport into a viable contributor to the nation’s economy.
Okolo brings a wealth of administrative and leadership experience to his new role. He currently serves as Chief Coordinator of the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Association (AFSA), National Patron of Miss Football Nigeria and has also been recognised as a Nigerian Soccer Ambassador.
Beyond sports administration, he chairs the Governing Council of Bridget University and serves as Nigeria Country Lead for Nouvelle Perspective Internationale, as well as West Africa Regional Coordinator for UMEC.
He is also the founder of the Jim Mezie Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Jimez Petroleum Resources, where he has combined philanthropy, business and community development with youth empowerment initiatives.
As Vice-President of the Nigeria Para Volleyball Federation, Okolo is expected to play a key role in promoting greater opportunities for athletes with disabilities, strengthening institutional support for the sport and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness on the continental and global stage.
His appointment, alongside the inauguration of the new federation boards, is seen as another step in the NSC’s efforts to build a more inclusive, professional and sustainable sports sector, with Para Sports playing an increasingly significant role in Nigeria’s sporting development and economic growth.
