Nigeria’s Olympic Committee president, Engr. Habu Gumel, has paid tribute to the late African athletics stalwart Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, who was laid to rest over the weekend in Cameroon.
Malboum, a former president of the Confederation of African Athletics, died on May 13, 2026, at the age of 75 after a long illness.
Gumel described the deceased as a figure of strong character, highlighting his leadership and the values he brought to sport. He also noted Malboum’s deep passion for athletics and his determination to protect and advance the game.
The late administrator was a celebrated Cameroonian military officer and sports executive. He led the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) for more than 20 years, stepping into the role in 2003 and serving throughout a sustained period of growth for the continent’s athletics scene.
At the time of his death, Malboum also held several other prominent positions. These included serving as president of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC) and working as a council member of World Athletics.
His influence extended beyond office, with reports of his involvement in supporting the staging of major African athletics events in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Gumel said: “I accompanied the ANOCA president Moustapha Berraff to attend Malboum’s official funeral and to offer condolences to the Olympic family in that country.”
