MANIFESTO OF ADEYEMI GEORGE ‘OSAWE’ FOR THE POSITION OF SOUTH WEST ZONAL REPRESENTATIVE, HANDBALL FEDERATION OF NIGERIA (HFN)
“Bringing Handball Home. Building It Stronger.”
Fellow stakeholders, coaches, players, referees, and handball lovers in the South West region,
With great humility and a deep sense of purpose, I, Adeyemi George ‘Osawe’, humbly offer myself to serve as the South West Zonal Representative in the forthcoming elections of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), scheduled to hold on August 9, 2025, in Ibadan.
This is not just another candidacy. This is a call to improve on the existing structure, revitalize and reposition South West handball to its rightful place as the cradle, powerhouse and pride of Nigerian handball.
WHO IS OSAWE?
I am not just a former player. I am a living testimony of the power of handball to transform lives, build character, and open international doors. My journey began in 1974 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, introduced to the sport by the legendary late Mr. Balogun. Since then, I have lived, breathed, and bled handball.
From representing Lagos State in 1975, to Ogun State in 1977 to 2005 (Where we won back-to-back gold at National Championships, leagues, open championships and National Under 21. etc). I also captained Nigeria’s Handball National Team, played professionally in Germany’s top leagues. I have given handball my youth, my energy, and my future.
I represented Nigeria at:
African Championships (1979 – Congo Brazzaville)
The 1981 Men’s Junior World Handball Championship, which was the third edition of the IHF Men’s Junior World Championship, held in Portugal from 4 to 13 December 1981. I was voted the best African player at the same Championship.
All-African Games (Bronze in Egypt)
And many more from 1979 to 2005.
I am proud to be the first Nigerian handball player to play professional handball abroad. I took clubs in Germany from third and fourth divisions up to the Bundesliga – a feat rarely matched. And I always returned home to represent Nigeria.
MY CREDIBILITY AND CAPACITY: BUILT ON EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND SERVICE
I hold a degree in Physical & Health Education from Ogun State University, an A-License Coaching Certificate from the National Institute for Sports (NIS), and I have coached teams across Germany, Ireland, and Nigeria.
Former Captain of Nigeria’s National Team
Current 1st Vice Chairman, Ogun State Handball Association
Current Chairman of the Ogun Handball Veterans
Internationally trained and widely respected coach and mentor
Trusted by grassroots, youth, professionals, and veterans alike
My track record of leadership, discipline, development focus, and integrity speaks louder than any campaign speech.
MY CONTRIBUTIONS TO HANDBALL IN THE SOUTH WEST AND BEYOND
I am not seeking this office to begin helping handball – I have been helping handball for decades. My support, both personal and financial, to handball development at the grassroots level across the South West is unmatched.
What I Have Done:
I’ve established an Handball Academy in Ogun State. We named the academy after me (i.e. Osawe Handball Academy).
Sponsored U12 handball competitions in Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun.
Provided T-shirts and kits for the Team Ogun contingent (male and female) and officials for the U15 Zonal Elimination in Osogbo, Osun State.
Sponsored Coaches for NIS courses paying their forms and fees.
Supported 2 players each from 4 Southwest States of Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ondo to further their education in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.
Supported team Oyo for the recently concluded National Sports Festival 2025 in Ogun State.
Sponsored 4×4 Southwest Handball Event, covering transport, accommodation, and feeding for referees and coaches.
Donated a handball court in Gibo, Ogun State, used annually by students.
Supported Ogun State’s under-15 and under-18 programs with education scholarships, training camps, and materials.
Assisted Ogun State, Ondo State, and others with funds for national competitions and the Ardova Handball League.
Organized training tours in Germany for Nigerian national teams.
Hosted a grand gala night and dinner for past and present presidents and pioneers of Nigerian handball during the Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Planning Southwest Invitational Summer Camp (August 2025) for U12 and U15 to deepen youth engagement and coaching knowledge-sharing.
WHY I DESERVE TO REPRESENT SOUTH WEST
- Track Record of Selfless Service:
I have done more without a title than many have done while in office. My works are visible, verifiable, and consistent. - Deep Roots in South West Handball:
From Lagos to Ogun, Osun to Oyo, Ekiti to Ondo – I am known, respected, and trusted across the six states of the Southwest. - A Bridge Between Generations:
As Veterans Chairman and grassroots supporter, I connect the past, present, and future of handball – helping young ones with scholarships, while honoring the old ones with respect. - International Exposure, Local Commitment:
While I have seen the best of handball globally, I have never forgotten my roots. I’m coming with global standards, local passion. - Accessible and Transparent Leadership:
Every kobo I’ve spent, every jersey I’ve donated, and every camp I’ve organized has been with open hands and an open heart. I don’t promise. I deliver.
MY VISION FOR SOUTHWEST HANDBALL
If elected as the Southwest Zonal Representative, I will:
✅ Institutionalize yearly grassroots competitions in all six SW states.
✅ Establish the Southwest Handball Coaches & Referees Development Program.
✅ Secure partnerships with European clubs to expose SW talents abroad.
✅ Facilitate zonal training camps for U12, U15, and U18 yearly.
✅ Push for rehabilitation and construction of zonal courts and facilities.
✅ Create a Southwest Veterans/Legends Network to mentor young players.
✅ Represent the interest of Southwest states firmly and fairly at the national level.
A VOTE FOR OSAWE IS A VOTE FOR:
Grassroots Development
Proven Leadership
Experience Without Equal
Transparent Representation
Legacy, Not Politics
TOGETHER, LET’S BRING HANDBALL BACK TO THE SOUTHWEST AND TAKE THE SOUTHWEST BACK TO THE TOP!
I, Adeyemi George ‘Osawe’, humbly ask for your vote and support as South West Zonal Representative, Handball Federation of Nigeria.
Let us write a new chapter for handball. A chapter of pride. A chapter of progress.
Signed,
Adeyemi George ‘Osawe’
Candidate for South West Zonal Representative, HFN.
