Sports
NDDC To Produce World Class Athletes Through Nigeria Delta Games- Itiako Ikpokpo
Joel Ajayi
The Niger Delta Development Commission is set to take sports in the region to the next level with the Niger Delta Games, after their strides in infrastructural development, the Games consultant Itiako Ikpokpo has stated.
Ikpokpo said the event, which holds from April 1 to 8 with 3,000 athletes vying for honours in 17 sports, is meant to produce athletes who will go on to become global stars.
“Niger Delta used to produce most of Nigeria’s top athletes but today there’s a dearth of talents. The NDDC, after their huge strides in infrastructural development, agreed that it was time to give sports the focus it desired in the region to produce the desired talents in that area of our national life.
“Just like the NDDC is famed for their development of infrastructure in the region, we also want the world to know that the NDDC is ready to produce sports talents for the country.”
Speaking further, Ikpokpo noted that that athletes only aged between 16 and 25 and of Niger Delta heritage would be allowed to participate in the Games.
“We want to achieve the purpose of starting the Games, that is why we have fixed the athletes ages from 16 to 25. There are modalities to check age cheats and those caught will be disqualified and their states fined.
“Those who do well at the event should be able to attend competitions in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
According to the organisers, the event begins with Local Government Area and state trials before athletes converge on Akwa Ibom, the host state, for the Games proper.
The nine states competing at the Games are Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Ondo, Abia and Imo.
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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