Sports
AFN set to roll out plans for African Games, says Audit Committee Report inconclusive
The board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will, this week, roll out its plans for this year’s African Games holding in Ghana.
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, stated on Monday, January 1, 2024, that the body would meet this weekend to discuss on certain issues, including the venue for camping of the athletes. He also revealed that the last board meeting scheduled for December 31, 2023, could not hold due to the absence of some of the board members, who insisted on having the Audit committee Report as first item on the agenda.
“The AFN board is made up of people with high intergrity. There is no way we will allow a few individuals to dictate for us. The issue of Audit committee Report was debated upon in our last meeting held on December 10, and it was listed as AOB for our meeting of December 31.
The Audit Committee, which the AFN board set up to look into the financial records has five members. So far, only one or two members of the committee have been talking. We are yet to get the full report signed by the five board members.
Not until we get it, there is no way the AFN will treat it as official document. For now, the Audit Committee Report is inconclusive,” he stated.
Okowa, who is also the President of Africa Region 2 Athletics body, further stated that the AFN board would hold its meeting this Saturday unfailingly, adding that any further delay could affect the preparation of Team Nigeria for the African Games scheduled to hold in March.
He said: “As President of the AFN, I expect that the entire board should fashion out plans that Will move our athletics forward. But a situation whereby a few individuals are trying to drag us backward won’t be tolerated. If by Saturday, these same people refuse to show up for the meeting, the board will go ahead and take decision on our preparation for the African Games and other issues. Enough is enough.”
Meanwhile, Chief Okowa has described as ‘total rubbish’ a statement credited to three board members of the AFN, on Sunday.
The trio of Tafida Gadzama, Rosa Collins and Dare Esan had issued a statement on Sunday evening (December 31) saying that they boycotted the board meeting over non-inclusion of Audit Committee Report, African Games preparations in the agenda.
“Someone drew my attention to their press statement late on Sunday evening, and I feel so disappointed, particularly in Gadzama and Rosa Collins because as former athletes, I expected them to show more concerns on issues affecting the athletes and their preparation for major championships. That is missing from them.
“How can they say that some board members criticised the decision for giving less than 16 hours notice for the meeting?
The decision to hold the board meeting on Sunday December 31, 2023, was taken during our last meeting on December 10. So, how come they are deceiving Nigerians in their press statement?
As I said, people should put aside their personal hatred for one another and work for the progress of Nigeria’s athletics. I wish all Nigerian athletics fans a Happy 2024.”
Sports
No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday
Joel Ajayi
The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.
With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.
Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.
The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.
In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.
While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.
Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.
This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.
Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?
Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.
She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.
Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.
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