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Okowa Assures Better Day Ahead Of AFN
…Promises to re-unites Stakeholders
Joel Ajayi
In the aftermath of World Athletics (WA) recognising Tonobok Okowa as the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the Delta state – born sports administrator said the new AFN Board will be working fervently to ensure a better day for the Athletic in the country and beyond.
He promised that his led AFN board would produce more podium finish athletes for the country.
He made this promise shortly after the reception for the victorious team from the just concluded U-20 world Athletics Championship in Nairobi, Kenya was welcomed by the government on Tuesday in Abuja.
Following their exploits at the just concluded 8 World Athletics U-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya had a total of 7 medals; four (4) gold and three (3) bronze medals to finish third on the final medals table.
The heroic reception and the launch organised for the athletes attended by the Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajia Sadiya Umar – Farouk, Minister of State for Education Chief Emeka Nwajiuba, S A to the President on Sports Daniel Amokachi.
Okowa, heaped encomiums on the athletes whom he described as the future golden generation for demonstrating the true character and never say die spirit Nigeria is renowned.
While addressing journalists, the Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission expressed that, the federation will not leave any stone unturned, to ensure that athletes win more medals for the country.
He also, promised to reach out to the other factional leaders to chart a way forward for Athletics in Nigeria.
“It is good to know that the World Athletics has spoken out. I see myself as the authentic President of AFN. I will reach out to them. I will not fight anybody,” Okowa
“I’ve never had any issue with them on a personal ground. I only contested an election and I won. Whatever that happened in the past is in the past. It is not for me to dwell on,” he added.
“My prayer is that they would want to really get close. I will plead with them as much as possible for us to sit down and find a way forward,” he said
He assured that the athletes would be kept together while early preparations for meets and the Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom next year had been ingrained in the federation’s calendar.
Okowa reaffirmed the commitment of his board to revive athletics that was adjudged comatose before now but pleaded for time and prayers from sports loving Nigeria to achieve the AFN’s objectives.
Featured
Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.
More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.
The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.
Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.
The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.
Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.
Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.
Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.
The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.
Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.
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