The recognition, reported at the continental volleyball gathering, honours Gumel’s longstanding involvement in sports administration and volleyball development, as well as his contribution to the Olympic movement in Nigeria and Africa.

Gumel has spent several decades in sports administration, with his career particularly associated with volleyball. The NOC’s profile lists him as a former president of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and records several senior positions within CAVB and the international volleyball administration structure.

He has also served as president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee for several terms. The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) re-elected him as its Treasurer-General in March 2025, giving him another four-year term in the continental Olympic body.

Gumel's involvement in international sports administration has extended beyond Africa. According to the NOC and Olympic records, he served as a member of the International Olympic Committee before becoming an honorary member. He has also held positions within the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), including executive vice-president and chair of its Finance Commission.

His professional background also extends outside sport. Gumel is an engineer with a career in civil and structural engineering, giving him a dual profile in Nigeria's engineering and sports communities.

The latest recognition adds to a series of honours Gumel has received during his career.

In 2022, the Government of Japan conferred on him the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Japan and Nigeria through sport. The Japanese Embassy said his work with the Nigerian and Japanese Olympic movements contributed to closer bilateral sporting relations.

Gumel's role in African Olympic administration has also remained significant. In 2025, he secured another term as ANOCA Treasurer-General without opposition, continuing his involvement in the continental body's administration.

His volleyball experience has likewise given him a long-standing connection to CAVB. The NOC's official profile records previous responsibilities within the African volleyball body, including membership of its board and earlier leadership positions.

The Award of Excellence at the CAVB Congress therefore adds another distinction to a career that has combined engineering, volleyball administration and Olympic leadership.

For Nigerian sports administration, the recognition also comes at a time when the country continues to strengthen its participation in continental and international sporting organisations.

Gumel remains president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, while his continuing role within ANOCA and his longstanding involvement in volleyball keep him active in the wider African and international sports community.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia