The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), the sporting community, and the military are mourning the passing of a distinguished officer and sports administrator.
Navy Captain Tunde Adedimeji (rtd.) died on 30 October.
NOC President, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel said that Adedimeji’s passing represents a loss to both the Nigerian Navy and the nation’s sporting family.
He prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest and those left behind the fortitude ti bear the irreparable loss.
Adedeji was a high-ranking official in the nation’s weightlifting body.
He was renowned for his decades of dedicated service in the Nigerian Navy, characterised by academic excellence and operational excellence.
He 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 16 September 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, and Director Lessons Learnt at the Naval headquarters.
He was decorated with several military honours, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and Grand Service Star.
He also made a significant impact on Nigerian Sports.
He was a prominent figure in Nigerian sports administration, particularly in weightlifting, which often requires military discipline and precision.
At the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, he served as First Vice President, making significant contributions to the development and administration of the sport.
In the NOC, he was also associated with the Technical Commission. This role underscored his involvement in strategic planning for Nigerian athletes at international competitions.
His funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family shortly.
