Voltaj Taekwondo Club instructor, Olaniyi Boluwatife Emmanuel, has called on the newly inaugurated board of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria (NTF), led by Ms Tayo Popoola, to prioritise grassroots development as part of its agenda to grow the sport across the country.
Speaking with our correspondent, Emmanuel expressed optimism about the new board but stressed the need for deliberate efforts to nurture young talents at the grassroots level.
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“I have high expectations for the board led by Ms Popoola, but my major concern is that more attention should be given to grassroots development,” he said.
“There are a lot of young talents wasting away due to lack of finance and sponsorship. The board can look into that and promote more grassroots competitions, especially through schools, which can serve as a base for developing and growing Taekwondo.”
He also highlighted the broader benefits of Taekwondo beyond competition, describing it as an art of self-defence that children should be encouraged to learn.
“Taekwondo goes beyond sporting gains; it teaches discipline and self-defence. The federation can support grassroots coaches in spreading this message,” he added.
Mr Emmanuel currently serves as the Taekwondo instructor at Voltaj Taekwondo Club, an initiative hosted within Voltaj Heritage School.
A dedicated and accomplished athlete, he previously captained and coached the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Taekwondo Team, leading with integrity and sportsmanship.
Since joining Voltaj, Emmanuel has been instrumental in nurturing young athletes, instilling the core values of Taekwondo—courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit—and helping to strengthen the club’s training culture and technical standards.
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