The Lagos State Judo Association, in collaboration with the Omoba Segun Gbayi Judo Foundation, has organized a two-day seminar aimed at equipping judo coaches and referees with modern techniques and international best practices.
The seminar, titled "Train the Trainers," took place at Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos, from February 13 to 14, 2025. It attracted a significant turnout of judo coaches and referees from across the South-West region of Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Omoba Segun Gbayi Judo Foundation, Segun Gbayi, emphasized that the initiative was designed to enhance the skills of judo trainers and referees, ensuring they stay updated with the latest rules implemented by the International Judo Federation (IJF).
The Chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association, Mr. Hammed Sheriff, played a crucial role in facilitating the smooth execution of the seminar. He praised the foundation for its commitment to the growth of judo and reaffirmed the association’s readiness to support similar initiatives in the future.
Several participants expressed appreciation for Gbayi’s sponsorship of the program, describing it as a testament to his dedication to the development of judo in Ogun State, the South-West, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Omoba Segun Gbayi Judo Foundation also acknowledged the mentorship of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, for his contributions to the seminar’s success.
The event featured over 20 participants from various states and was led by renowned judo instructors, including Sensei Edokpolo Ihaza (7th Dan) and Sensei Dickson Egbonwon (6th Dan). Notable attendees included Lagos State Judo Head Coach, Sensei Janet Ihaza, and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and Ogun State Judo Head Coach, Aremu Christy Obekpa.
In recognition of their longstanding contributions to judo, the foundation honored retired coaches from the South-West region with cash rewards, celebrating their dedication to the sport’s development over the years.