Jude Atoe Becomes First Elected Secretary General of Nigeria Judo Federation

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‎Comrade Jude Atoe has just won his election into the Judo Federation of Nigeria as the first elected Secretary General in their General Congress held in Abuja on Thursday 11th September 2025.
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‎This is a drastic shift from tradition where the Secretary General is appointed by the National Sports Commission and is rotated, but with the newly adopted constitution of the Judo Federation of Nigeria, all the Executives were elected from the Stakeholders of the Sports who will remain to steer the Sports to greatness or otherwise.

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.
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‎Also coming into office for the next four years during the well organized and attended Elective Congress was the President Dr. Musa Oshodi who is returning for the second term as President. This clearly affirms his commitment to advancing the growth and development of the sport across the country.
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‎The election, held on Thursday in Abuja, was described as free, fair, and transparent. Dr. 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.
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‎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.
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‎The incoming Secretary General Mr. Jude Atoe is a seasoned sports administrator who have served in different offices such as being the Personal Assistant to the famous “Juju Man” Mr. Brown Ebewele of blessed memory of Edo State, he moved on to be Senior Specoal Assistant 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 a two time gold medalist at WAUG held at Uniben.

A martial arts consonant 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 Judo National Team. He also vied into Rugby where he won a gold medal for Edo State at the 2006 Gateway Games.
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‎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. 
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‎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).
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‎In his acceptance speech Mr. Jude Atoe specially thanked the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission Hon. Desmond Enabulele who he described as a well grounded sports administrator who have 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 carrier 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 Federal Ministry of Sports / Sports Commission Staffs.
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‎Mr Jude Atoe is married to another national Karate Coach and they both have three children.
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‎We wish him well in his new found portfolio in the National Sports administration in Nigeria. This should be decisive turning point for sports administration in Nigeria where technocrats take charge of their beloved sports, especially the engine room of administration (Secretary General)
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‎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.” 
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‎He reaffirmed his commitment to positioning judo as a premier sport in Nigeria, alongside football, athletics, and wrestling.
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‎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.” 
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‎Oshodi also stressed the critical role of the media in the growth of judo in Nigeria, describing it as “the soul of any business.” 
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‎He added that these grassroots initiatives would be consistent and strategic, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.
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‎Looking ahead, Oshodi outlined the federation’s strategy for international representation, especially with eyes on future Olympic Games.
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‎He emphasised the need for early preparation and close monitoring of elite athletes, many of whom are already training abroad. 
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‎”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.
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‎Compiled by
‎Obong Ntiense Williams
‎”Mr Rugby”