By Uzor Odigbo
Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President Chief Tonobok Okowa has been re-elected during its elective congress held in Abuja on Thursday, says Grassroots development and athletes education are key in his four points agenda.
Okowa, was the only candidate for the office as the three other candidates eyeing the prestigious office didn’t succeed.
Former Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, strategically pulled out of the race while another aspirant Constantine Itiako Ikpokpo was defeated at the South-South Zonal election by a former sprinter, Gabriel Okon.
Sunday Adeleye, who was dreaming of occupying the number one position in Nigerian athletics was eliminated in the North-West Zonal by Ladan Abubakar Zurmi, who is now the first Vice President of AFN while Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze, is the second Vice President.
After the election Okowa, said his victory at the polls is for all athletes’ and stakeholders saying: “Elections test our passion, but they must never fracture our athletics family.”
“I pledged to lead inclusively, ensuring every voice is heard as we forge a common ground for Nigerian athletics…my door and my heart is open for collaboration,” Okowa, a Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), stated.
He added that he would be pursuing a four-point agenda in his second tenure this includes aggressive grassroots talent hunt programme and education of our Nigerian athletes.
AFN new board members include, Fatima Yusuf Olukoju, Olufemi Sule, Lekan Soetan, Victor Okorie, Gabriel Okon, Samuel Onikeku, Professor Frank Atare, Babayo Adamu, Solomon Aliu, Chief Tonobok Okowa – President, Ladan Abubakar Zurmi– 1st Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze – 2nd Vice President
During their inauguration, National Sports Commission (NSC), Director General Hon. Bukola Olapade, urged the new board to do all they can to reposition Nigerian athletics.
“The ball is now in your court and you must not fail Nigerians in this task of repositioning our track and field.”
The Performance Director Victor Okorie and the Technical Director of the Federation, Samuel Onikeku, who helped to drive AFN’s policies and programs in the last four years won their election into the board again.
As Technical Director, Onikeku, is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of AFN’s operations, including athletes development, coaching, and competitions.
Fortunately, the new AFN board is dominated by former athletes such as Solomon Aliu, Olalekan Stephen Soetan, Gabriel Okon, Olufemi Sule, Fatima Yusuf Olukoju are part of the new AFN board
