The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President of the Nigeria Football Association (now Nigeria Football Federation), Ibrahim Galadima, who died in Kano on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 78.
Omidiran, who served as an elected member of the NFA Board during Galadima’s tenure between 2002 and 2006, described the late sports administrator as a man of immense wisdom, discipline, and integrity whose contributions to Nigerian football remain enduring.
She said “The passing of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima is a great loss not only to Nigerian football but to the entire sporting community,” adding “He was a man of immense wisdom, discipline, and integrity, whose leadership helped shape the structure and direction of football administration in Nigeria.”
In a statement signed by Ademola Lawrence, Spokesperson of the Federal Character Commission in Abuja, the FCC Chairman noted the remarkable progress witnessed during their time on the NFA Board, pointing out that Nigeria rose to become the ninth-ranked football nation in the world under Galadima’s leadership.
Omidiran attributed this milestone to the collective commitment, vision, and discipline that defined his stewardship.
She added “Alhaji Galadima dedicated his life to the advancement of sports in Nigeria. His contributions went beyond football, touching lives and institutions across the country. His legacy will remain a guiding light for future generations” .
Omidiran, who also served as former Chairman of the NFF Women’s Football Development Committee, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the government and people of Kano State, and the Nigerian football community.
She prayed “On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the Nigerian football family. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give all those he left behind the strength to bear this great loss” .
The late Ibrahim Galadima, a Kano State-born administrator, had a distinguished career in sports governance, and served as Chairman of the Kano State Football Association, Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Kano State. He was also instrumental in the establishment and growth of Kano Pillars Football Club.
Galadima’s tenure as NFA President from 2002 to 2006 is remembered for institutional strengthening and Nigeria’s improved global standing in football.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the Nigerian football community following the news of Galadima’s demise after a prolonged illness, with many describing him as a selfless leader and mentor whose impact on the nation’s sporting landscape will not be forgotten.
