The Nigeria Olympic Committee, the sporting community, and the military are mourning the passing of a distinguished officer and sports administrator, retired
Navy Captain Tunde Adedimeji died on October 30.
Captain Adedimeji was a respected veteran of the Nigerian Navy and a former high-ranking official in the nation’s weightlifting body.
Captain Babatunde Adedimeji (Rtd.) was renowned for his decades of dedicated service in the Nigerian Navy, characterised by academic excellence and operational excellence.
Late Adedimeji was a Member of the 39th Regular Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, where he earned a BSc in Mathematics.
He was decorated with the coveted Sword of Honour as the best naval cadet upon passing out.
Adedimeji was Commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant on September 16, 1992. He participated in the ECOMOG Operations in Liberia in 1996 while serving on board the NNS EKUN.
In his naval roles, he held various command and staff positions, including Base Operations Officer in NNS Pathfinder (responsible for anti-bunkering operations), Instructor/Commandant at the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School (NNHS), and Director Lessons Learnt (DLL) at Naval Headquarters (NHQ).
He was decorated with several military honours, including the FSS (Forces Service Star), MSS (Meritorious Service Star), DSS (Distinguished Service Star), and GSS (Grand Service Star).
During his lifetime, he made a significant impact on Nigerian Sports.
Beyond his military service, Captain Adedimeji was a prominent figure in Nigerian sports administration, particularly in the realm of weightlifting, which often requires military discipline and precision.
At the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), he served as First Vice President, making significant contributions to the development and administration of the sport.
In the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), he was also associated with the Technical Commission of the NOC. This role underscored his involvement in strategic planning for Nigerian athletes at international competitions.
Captain Adedimeji’s passing represents a loss to both the Nigerian Navy and the nation’s sporting family.
His funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family shortly.
Gumel prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest and those left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
