A Tribute to a Visionary: Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju (2017 – 2025)
By Engr Sani Ndanusa FNSE, FNICE, FNIM
Marafan Nupe, Ubandoman Jiwa
Former Minister for Sports,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
It is with a profound sense of loss and deep respect that I offer this tribute to my esteemed colleague and brother in service, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju. His sudden departure in October 2025 leaves a chasm in the Nigerian and African sports landscape that will not be easily filled. To speak of Ifedayo is to speak of vision, integrity and relentless dedication to the growth of tennis—a sport he not only governed but truly adored.
Engr. Akindoju was a distinguished professional, serving with exemplary commitment as the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) from 2017. His influence, however, transcended national boundaries, as evidenced by his vital roles as Vice President of the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) and President of the critical CAT Zone II, uniting West African tennis nations. He was, simultaneously, a celebrated community leader as President of the Abuja Country Club.
The Legacy of a True Pioneer
Ifedayo’s eight-year tenure at the NTF was not merely about holding office; it was a revolution fueled by personal commitment and the prudent application of business acumen from Dayak Nigeria Limited. His primary focus was never on fleeting success but on foundational strength: grassroots development. He understood that the future of Nigerian tennis hinged on cultivating talent from the soil up, aiming to produce a new generation of world-class players ready for the global stage.
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He did not wait for funding; he created opportunities. As a pioneering force, he galvanized the domestic calendar by initiating and meticulously organizing international-standard local tournaments—the VEMP Open, DavNotch Open, Abuja Open, and the Dayak Open—all of which provided indispensable competitive platforms.
This relentless drive was crystallized by his most celebrated achievement: returning Nigeria to the Davis Cup World Group III. This single accomplishment symbolised his success in restoring our nation’s standing in global tennis. His dedication to providing international exposure, often personally bankrolling these ventures for players and officials alike, embodied a spirit of selfless service.
It is said, “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” By this measure, Engr. Akindoju was towering. He was defined by integrity, strong values, and a gentle spirit—a true gentleman whose ethical conduct earned him universal respect within the global tennis community.
Appreciation for Years of Close Partnership
Having had the honour of working closely with Engr. Akindoju across the diverse spectrum of the Nigerian sports federation, I can offer a personal commendation. We shared countless hours and strategic discussions, driven by a mutual passion for elevating our nation’s sporting profile.
I commend his unwavering commitment to standards and transparency. During our years together, he was a beacon of support and a steadfast partner. In a system often challenged by constraints, his willingness to step forward, not just strategically but financially, through his company, Dayak Nigeria Limited, was an extraordinary display of patriotic commitment. This was collaboration in its purest, most potent form.
As we mourn his passing, we must recognise that “We don’t remember days, we remember moments.” Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju has left us countless moments of triumph, integrity, and impactful action.
To his family, his colleagues, and the entire Nigerian and African sports communities, I extend my deepest condolences. We pray that the Almighty grants him eternal rest and gives all of us the fortitude to bear this monumental loss. His visionary legacy is not a memory to fade, but a blueprint for us to follow.
Engr. Sani Ndanusa FNSE, FNICE, FNIM,
Marafan Nupe, Ubandoman Jiwa,
Former Minister for Sports, Federal Republic of Nigeria
