NOC boss, Gumel pays tribute as Africa bids farewell to athletics icon Kalkaba
By Uzor Odigbo
President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel, has paid a heartfelt tribute to late African athletics icon Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, describing him as a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment transformed athletics across the continent.
Gumel joined members of the African and global Olympic family in Cameroon at the weekend for the formal funeral of the former President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), who passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness.
Representing the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Gumel attended the funeral alongside the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Moustapha Berraf, to convey condolences to the Cameroon Olympic family and honour one of Africa’s most influential sports administrators.
“I accompanied the ANOCA President, Moustapha Berraf, to attend his formal funeral and condole with the Olympic family in Cameroon,” Gumel said.
Throughout his distinguished career, Kalkaba was widely respected for his passion for athletics and his determination to protect and advance the sport across Africa.
He served as President of the Confederation of African Athletics for more than two decades after assuming office in 2003, leaving an enduring legacy of growth and development.
Beyond his role at the CAA, Kalkaba was also President of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee and a Council Member of World Athletics, positions through which he helped shape the future of athletics on both the continental and global stages.
His influence extended beyond Cameroon, with Nigeria benefiting immensely from his leadership and support.
Kalkaba played significant roles in the successful staging of several major African athletics competitions hosted in the country, strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and the continental governing body.
His passing has been widely mourned across the sporting world, with tributes continuing to pour in for a man remembered not only for his exceptional leadership but also for his integrity, dedication and lifelong service to African sports.
As family, friends and colleagues gathered to bid him a final farewell, Africa honoured a leader whose remarkable legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and sports administrators across the continent.
