Sports

Amusan’s Feat ‘II Usher in a New Era for Sports- Abuja International Marathon MD

Published

3 years ago

July 27, 2022

Joel Ajayi

The Managing Director of Abuja International Marathon (AIM) Zsuzsanna Ogunmiloyo is confident the feat of Team Nigeria hurdler, Tobi Amusan will usher in a new era of positive developments in Nigeria sports, not just athletics.

On Sunday, July 24, on the final day of the World Athletics Championships, in Oregon, USA, Amusan broke the world record of the 100m hurdles, setting a new mark of 12:12 sec in the semi-final, she also won the gold medal in the event in a wind-assisted time of 12.06 sec.

Amusan had earlier broken the African record in the heats to make a statement.

In a press statement signed by AIM Race Director Olukayode Thomas, who also heads Media and Publicity, Ogunmiloyo said Amusan exemplifies what Nigerian youth can achieve if given the opportunities and the enabling environment to excel.

“I have been to most parts of the world, and Nigeria youths rank among the best in the world. Their hunger for education is amazing, while those who are artisanal are always at the top of their game, they are industrious and focused and they work and get things done with little supervision.

“Amusan’s feat is an example of what millions of our youths can achieve if we give more opportunities and create the environment for them to excel not just in sports but other fields of human endeavors”.

Ogunmiloyo revealed that beyond showcasing Abuja’s beauty to the world, encouraging tourism, boosting the economy and the health benefits that come with running, another major aim of the Abuja International Marathon is to assist the youth, especially those from the North who have several similarities with Kenyans and Ethiopians to fulfil their potentials in marathons and long-distance races.

“I sometimes wonder how little we Nigerians know about our country. Many Nigerians are shocked when I tell them that at the time the world record in the marathon was 2:08.00 we had Nigerians running 2:14: 00 like Abass Muhammed and Yohana Waziri and we have women like Hulda Nwokocha competing around the world with the best of the world.

“I am positive that if we had pushed these legends with the resources they needed then Nigerians will be excelling in marathons and long-distance races today the way Kenyans are excelling in sprints, quarter-mile and field events, an area we used to dominate”.

Ogunmiloyo promised to meet Amusan at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and discuss with her how Unicentral Resources Management Limited, the licensee of Abuja International Marathon (AIM), will honour her before going to the media with Unicentral plans for her. Ogunmiloyo is the CEO of Unicentral

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

4 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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