Jude Atoe becomes first elected secretary of the Judo Federation

Comrade Jude Atoe has won his election to the Judo Federation of Nigeria as the first elected Secretary General in their General Congress, held in Abuja on Thursday, 11th September. 
‎
‎This is a drastic shift from the traditional Secretary General who is appointed by the National Sports Commission and rotated. The newly adopted Constitution of the Judo Federation stipulates that all the Executives are elected and are from among the stakeholders of the sport. This gives the Federation the opportunity of implementing a "Reward and Punishment" system of administration which sports desperately needs in Nigeria to move to the next level. 
‎
‎Also coming into office for the next four years from the well attended Elective Congress is the President, Dr Musa Oshodi who is returning for the second term. 
‎
‎The election, held on Thursday in Abuja, was described as free, fair, and transparent. Oshodi secured a landslide victory, polling all 31 out of 31 votes cast, earning him a 2nd term as president with 100% of the votes.
‎
‎Salisu Mohammed polled 36 votes out of 36 votes casted in the position of Vice President, while Janet Adakwu Nwagwu scored 34 votes out of total 36 casted in the position of Treasurer.
‎
‎The incoming Secretary General, Atoe is described as a seasoned sports administrator who has served in different offices such as being the PA to the famous but now late "Juju Man" Mr Brown Ebewele in Edo State. He moved on to become 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. Atoe is a graduate of the University of Benin where he represented the institution in judo. He was a gold medalist at the NUGA Games and is a two gold medalist at WAUG held at University of Benin. A martial arts consonant coach at Uniben Judo Club, Atoe was a onetime 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 Judo National Team. He also vied into 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 Obong Awan Joyce Frank Udoh (South South).
‎
‎In his acceptance speec, Atoe thanked the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele whom he described as “a well grounded sports administrator who has brought good fortunes to Edo State in his short tenure in charge so far.” 
‎Atoe is married to another national karate coach and they both have three children. 
‎The President Oshodi said, "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."  
‎ 
‎Looking ahead, Oshodi outlined the federation’s strategy for international representation, especially with eyes on future Olympic Games.
‎"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.
‎