The country’s/Nigerian Taekwondo federation and its community are in mourning after the passing of President Alhaji Abdullahi Saidu-Baba, who died on Tuesday at the age of 53, according to news outlet legit.ng.
Saidu’s family announced his death after he was admitted to the hospital following a lengthy illness. The experienced official was chosen to head the NTF in October 2021, in a unanimous decision that left former leader Margaret Binga unable to receive a single vote.
He had been a devoted figure in promoting and developing taekwondo throughout West Africa. Although he had been fighting an undisclosed illness for several years, his dedication to the sport remained resolute.
Saidu was pivotal in leading Nigerian Taekwondo on an international level. He notably directed the delegation to the 2023 African Games and played a crucial role in the country’s presence at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The announcement of his death has brought profound sorrow to the taekwondo community. Bright Kolade, a bronze medalist at the African Games, expressed his feelings, referring to Saidu as a father figure who offered invaluable motivation and assistance to athletes.
“When challenges arose, he embraced me like a son and provided the encouragement I required. He had grand aspirations for me, particularly since I coach children in Kebbi State who have secured junior championships in the nation.
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“His vision was for Taekwondo to not only excel in West Africa but throughout Africa entirely. The late Saidu always prioritized others over himself and made significant contributions to Taekwondo since assuming the presidency,” Kolade said as reported by Legit.
Former NTF President George Ashiru also conveyed his sympathies. “I am thankful we shared many wonderful experiences together in assisting to create a unified Nigeria and furthering our sport. May your soul find rest,” Ashiru wrote on Facebook.
“Alhaji Saidu was a shrewd sports administrator and a passionate athlete who made significant contributions to the advancement of TKD/Taekwondo in the nation. Our thoughts are with his family during this challenging time,” stated Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
“Mr. Abdullahi Saidu was a devoted and dedicated contributor to the growth of our discipline. His efforts and dedication will leave a significant impact on African taekwondo,” the African Taekwondo Union declared in a press release.
Ehatasamul Alom is an esteemed Taekwondo 3rd Dan Black Belt with over 12 years of experience in this dynamic martial art. Born in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Ehatasamul’s journey with Taekwondo began at the tender age of seven. His passion led him to compete at national and international levels, where he has bagged numerous awards and honors. He is also a member of the Taekwondo National Referee Panel.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the prestigious Rajshahi University, Ehatasamul has a deep understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of martial arts.
In 2022, Ehatasamul created the “TaekwondoKing.com” blog to share his knowledge and experiences. His articles focus on Taekwondo training techniques, competition strategies, and the art’s rich history and philosophy. He also writes about the importance of mental fortitude and discipline, key aspects of his teaching philosophy. His goal is to inspire both beginners and seasoned practitioners worldwide through insightful and engaging content.
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