By Meletus EZE
Kehinde Lamidi, a board member, Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) on Friday expressed sadness over the demise of a foremost grassroots coach, Ismaila Chakuma, describing his death as a huge loss to the nation.
NVBF announced recently through its media coordinator, Dare Kuti, that the versatile coach died on Jan. 29 in Bauchi, after undergoing a successful surgery.
TBI Africa said Lamidi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Ismaila was one of the best coaches who spent his life to see to the development of volleyball at the grassroots.
According to him, the deceased made efforts to see that volleyball at the grassroots never lack the right attention.
“He was highly resourceful and reputed for discovering and nurturing many volleyball players, from the grassroots to the senior/international standard,” Lamidi said.
Coach Ismail Chakuma who hails from Gombe state, was the pioneer National beach volleyball coach,and won many laurels, including gold medal at the last 2015 All African Games in Beach Volleyball.
He was one of the very few that attended many international coaching courses outside the shores of Nigeria.
