Sports
AFFAN pledges to collaborate with National Sports Commission
… Appeals to NSC to sponsor ageing female athletes for coaching courses*
The Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) has pledged to collaborate with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to further advance female sports in Nigeria.
The Chairman of AFFAN, Dr Toyin Aluko made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, at his office on Thursday.
Aluko shared that the defunct Ministry of Sports Development had officially recognised AFFAN and approved the inclusion of its members on the boards of National Sports Federations, with the next election scheduled after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The former athlete expressed the association’s goal of becoming more visible to inspire young girls and their parents, showing them that success in both sports and academics is attainable.
She stated, “I want to assure the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, that AFFAN is fully committed to the success of sports in Nigeria. The association is made up of retired female athletes who have brought glory to Nigeria during their active careers.
“Thanks to our reputation, the defunct Ministry of Sports Development, led by Senator John Enoch, approved our inclusion in the boards of National Sports Federations in the upcoming elections.
“We seek a platform from the National Sports Commission to increase our visibility in sports camps and competitions (both locally and internationally) to help protect female athletes and prevent any form of abuse.
“AFFAN also appeals to the NSC to sponsor ageing or former elite female athletes from various sports federations to attend reputable coaching courses, both locally and internationally. This will empower them to train and certify female coaches and referees who excel in their profession.
“There is a significant shortage of female coaches and referees in Nigeria. We urge the NSC to take a special interest in female coaches by supporting and facilitating the training of former female athletes.”
In his response, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assured that AFFAN’s inclusion on the boards of National Sports Federations would be activated and revisited.
“It is encouraging to see competent retired female athletes come together to form AFFAN and give back to society. The Commission will collaborate with AFFAN, as these women have participated in the very sports we seek to develop,” Mallam Dikko said.
“I also encourage AFFAN to re-engage with us ahead of the National Sports Federations elections, as guidelines for the elections are currently being formulated by a section of the National Sports Commission.”
Dikko acknowledged the consistent contribution of female athletes in securing Olympic medals for Nigeria and assured AFFAN of the Commission’s full support in its initiatives.
Dikko added that the Zonal Offices will be reactivated in order for more athletes to be discovered from every part of the country.
Sports
Igoche Mark Announces Burial of Beloved Mother, 82
Joel Ajayi
Renowned basketball promoter and initiator of the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, will on Friday, November 27, 2026, lay his mother, Mrs. Veronica Oyiba Mark, to rest in Otukpo, Benue State.
Mrs. Mark, fondly known as _En’Igoche_, died at the age of 82. She was born in 1944.
According to the burial arrangements released by the family, the funeral rites will begin on Wednesday, November 25, with a service of songs at her residence, No. 4 Enugu Road, Eupi, Otukpo, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
On Thursday, November 26, a commemoration service will hold at St. Francis Catholic Cathedral, Otukpo, between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. This will be followed by an all-night wake-keep at Pa Obodumu Ooche Compound, Asa 2, from 8:00 p.m.
The funeral proper will take place on Friday, November 27. A requiem Mass is scheduled for 12 noon at St. Francis Catholic Cathedral, Otukpo.
Interment will follow immediately at the family Compound.
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