Sports
AFN Leadership Structure Solidifies, As Southeast, Northwest Zonal Elections Conclude In Abuja
Joel Ajayi
Athletics Federation of Nigeria ,AFN, has strengthened its Executive Board following the successful completion of the South East and North West zonal elections on Wednesday at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Overseen by Honourable Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission ,NSC, the elections saw Mr. Festus Okorie secure the Southeast ticket with a unanimous 4–0 vote, while Abubakar Ladan Zurmi clinched the North West position with a convincing 5–1 victory over Honourable Sunday Adeleye of Kaduna State.
Speaking after the elections, the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, commended the process for its transparency and credibility.
“Athletics is one of our major sports, and it is therefore very important to get it right with the election processes because that will be the foundation of everything that will be achieved in the next four years”, he stated.
“The success of the Commission is tied to how well our federations perform, as it is through them that we are implementing the Renewed Hope Sports Mandate that Mr. President has entrusted to us. The AFN is one federation we cannot afford toy with”.
He further urged unity and collaboration within the athletics community.
“We know everybody cannot be on the board at the same time, but we all belong to the same sports family, working for the overall interest of Nigerian sports. We therefore appeal to every stakeholder to seek peace and reconciliation at all times, to de-escalate tensions especially concerning election matters”, he concluded.
Sports
Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports
Cyril Ogar
Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.
“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.
A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.
Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.
Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.
“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”
He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.
> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.
The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.
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