Sports
Niger Delta Sports Festival MOC set for inauguration
The Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival will be inaugurated on Friday at the headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt.
Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, who is chairman of the Project Consultant, Dunamis Icon, revealed that the inauguration of the Main Organising Committee for the sports festival comes in the wake of the inauguration of the state liaison committees for the nine states expected to take part in the festival.
Ikpokpo, who conceived the idea of the sports festival, further stated that facilities scheduled to play hosts to the event have been inspected and “work will start this week on facilities where there are challenges.”
He reiterated that the NDDC is ready to make the festival stands out and become a conveyor belt in talent production in sports from the Niger Delta region of the country.
“All the relevant committees have been set up after the Akwa Ibom State governor (Umo Eno) has graciously accepted to play host.
“The chairman of the Main Organising Committee is one of you, a three-time sports commissioner (in Rivers State) and currently the Executive Director, Finance/Administration of the NDDC, Alabo Boma Iyaye. I co-chair that committee that will be inaugurated on Friday (February 21, 2025). We’ve set up state liaison committees that are already functioning so as to ensure the process that will lead to the state trials. There is trials at the local government and state levels to produce competing athletes before the festival in Uyo.
“So we are getting set. Facilities have been inspected and work will start this week on facilities where there are challenges.
“We want the World to know that the NDDC is ready to take up more responsibility of producing top talents for Nigeria in the area of sports,” Ikpokpo said.
The maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival will be held between April 1 and 9 this year and will feature 17 sports
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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