Yekini targets grassroots growth, says Nigeria can lead Karate in africa

Newly elected president of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Mrs. Fausat Dehinde Yekini, believes the country has the potential to become the heartbeat of karate in Africa if its vast pool of talent is properly developed, Sport360NG reports.

In a statement released by the National Sports Commission on Monday, Yekini highlighted her vision and priorities as she assumes leadership of the federation.

“Nigeria has all it takes to dominate the African karate scene because of the enormous talent across the country. If we can harness these resources effectively, Nigeria will undoubtedly become the hub of karate on the continent,” she said.

The entrepreneur, who regularly travels to the United States, said her administration would focus on grassroots development as the foundation for building a sustainable karate culture in Nigeria.

Popularly known as Iyalaje Worldwide, Yekini previously served as chairperson of the Kogi State Karate Association, where her leadership earned national recognition before her elevation to the KFN presidency.

On funding, Yekini urged the private sector to increase its support for sports development, stressing that government resources alone are not sufficient to drive growth.

She also commended the National Sports Commission for organizing what she described as a transparent and well-conducted election, calling for the integrity of the process to be maintained in future contests.

Yekini, who hails from Kogi State in North Central Nigeria, defeated Engineer Chukwudi Dimkpa from the South South region by eight votes to five to emerge as KFN president. The election took place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, alongside other federation polls.