Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Engr. Habu Gumel, has paid tribute to late African athletics leader Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum during his funeral in Cameroon.
Gumel joined top Olympic officials at the funeral held over the weekend to honour Kalkaba, who died on May 13, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
He was 75 years old.
Kalkaba served as President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) for more than 20 years after taking office in 2003. He earned respect across Africa for his strong leadership and deep commitment to athletics.
Similarly, Kalkaba also served as President of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC) and as a Council Member of World Athletics at the time of his death.
Gumel said the late sports administrator remained passionate about athletics throughout his life.
He added that Kalkaba worked tirelessly to protect and develop the sport across Africa.
In addition, Kalkaba played key roles in supporting the staging of major African athletics competitions in Nigeria.
His contributions strengthened athletics on the continent and inspired many sports leaders.
In his remarks, Gumel said: “I accompanied the ANOCA President, Moustapha Berraff, to accord a befitting burial to the fallen hero and to condole with the Olympic family in Cameroon.”
External links
Confederation of African Athletics (CAA): https://www.caaweb.org
World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org
Nigeria Olympic Committee: https://nocng.org
