Sports

Bidding To Host The 2027 AFCON Is Not Nigeria’s Priority Following Current Economic Hardship-Hon. Ekene Adam

Published

2 years ago

September 26, 2023

Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Adams has shed more light on his position to oppose Nigeria’s bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup Of Nations.

The Kaduna State-born lawmaker said that as much as it is a good thing for a Country to be able to host Major Championships it is however not a current priority for a Nation like ours.

” We are not kicking against bidding for the Nations Cup but I am against the timing of such a step in relation to our current economic realities which every one of us is not ignorant of “

” As someone who has the fear of God, I can tell you for free that now that we are talking about hosting the Nations Cup, it has to do with building new facilities, and renovating stadiums but all of these things are only beneficiary to we the Stakeholders and Politicians to make more money”.

” I don’t think we mean well for the common man if this is our current priority as a Government.

” The common man can hardly feed three times a day with the effect of the subsidy and it will not be good to hide under the disguise of Sports and things like this to enrich ourselves at the expense of Nigerians”.

” For example, the palliatives the National Assembly approved for Nigerians to cushion the effect of the subsidy hardship have not gotten to Nigerians across the country and the only thing we the stakeholders are concerned about now is wanting to host the AFCON “.

” And after spending so much money to host this AFCON we will then leave the facilities dilapidated as usual and the lack of maintenance story will continue which another Government will come again to spend so much on and nothing meaningful would have changed”, he stressed.

As a lawmaker representing the People, I must also stress that I am an apostle of good change and will not support anything I know will not benefit the common man.

Nigeria and Benin are presenting a joint bid to host the 2027 AFCON and the Minister of Sports Senator John Enoh will be attending the CAF Executive meeting in Cairo, Egypt, for this purpose on Wednesday.

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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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