Sports
AFN Re-Elects Okowa as President, Urges Stakeholder Unity for Athletic Excellence
Joel Ajayi
In what can only be described as a landslide victory, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has re-elected Chief Tonobok Okowa to continue leading the country’s athletics governing body for another four-year term.
Okowa, who served as president during the previous administration, secured 42 votes, with 4 void votes, underscoring strong confidence in his leadership and the progress made under his watch.
Joining him in leadership are Ladan Abubakar Zumi, elected as 1st Vice President, and Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze, elected as 2nd Vice President. Both will serve alongside Okowa for the next four years.
Other elected board members include Gabriel Okon, Samuel Okiekwu, Fatima Yusuf, Professor Frank Atare, Lekan Soetan, Adamu Babayo, Oluyomi Sule, and Victor Okorie.
In his post-election address, President Okowa called for unity among all stakeholders, urging them to put aside differences and work collectively for the betterment of Nigerian athletics.
“This mandate is not merely a personal victory; it is a sacred renewal of our shared commitment to the future of Nigerian athletics. To every delegate who cast their vote—whether for me or for my fellow aspirants—I extend my sincerest gratitude,” Okowa said.
He emphasized that the next four years must be marked by collaboration and mutual trust:
“Athletics is not a solitary race; it is a relay. Every stakeholder—athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans—must pass the baton with trust. Let us move beyond divisions and focus on the finish line: a Nigeria celebrated globally for excellence, integrity, and unity in sport,” he declared.
Chief Okowa reaffirmed that his mission will remain anchored on five key pillars: Talent and Youth Development, Technical Excellence, Anti-Doping Advocacy, Uncompromising Integrityand Athlete Safeguarding.
He pledged to prioritize athlete development and capacity enhancement for coaches, emphasizing that athletes are the heart of the federation.
“To our athletes: You are the soul of this federation. We will fight for your dreams as fiercely as you race for medals. Expect enhanced support—better training facilities, scientific backup, insurance, mental health resources, and dignified remuneration.”
“Your expertise is our engine. We will invest in your growth and recognize your pivotal role.”
Wasting no time in setting the tone for a new chapter, Chief Okowa announced a refreshed board aimed at driving much-needed reforms across the federation.
Key honorary co-opted members appointed to strategic roles include:
Dr. Nnneka Anizebe – Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Dele Edokpayi – Legal Advisor
Kolawale Oredipe – Auditor
Babajide John Odedeji – Safeguard Officer
Meanwhile, the election for the Coaches/Technical Officials representative remains unresolved. The contest between Solomon Aliyu and Professor Ogunjimi ended in a deadlock. The electoral committee has postponed the vote, with a new date yet to be announced.
With a renewed mandate and clear vision, Chief Tonobok Okowa looks set to lead Nigerian athletics into a new era of progress, excellence, and global recognition.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
