Sports
PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, has paid tribute to late African athletics icon, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, describing him as an exemplary sports administrator.
Gumel spoke after attending Kalkaba’s formal funeral in Cameroon at the weekend.
Kalkaba, former President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), died on May 13, 2026, at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness.
Gumel said the late administrator devoted his life to the growth and protection of athletics across Africa.
“He was passionate about athletics and worked tirelessly to safeguard the integrity and development of the sport,” he said.
Kalkaba served as CAA President from 2003 until his death.
He was also President of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee and a Council Member of World Athletics.
During his leadership, he played key roles in supporting the organisation of major African athletics competitions, including events hosted in Nigeria.
Gumel said he joined President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, Mustapha Berraf, to honour the late sports administrator.
“I accompanied ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf to attend the funeral and condole with the Olympic family in Cameroon,” Gumel said.
He described Kalkaba’s death as a great loss to African and global sports, noting that his contributions would remain a lasting legacy.
F.O
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