Sports

Okowa emerges AFN President

Published

4 years ago

June 15, 2021

Joel Ajayi

Chief Tonobok Okowa Of Delta State has emerged the new President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) at the authentic Elective Congress of the Federation that took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Monday.

The congress was attended by 35 chairmen of state AFN, who converged in Abuja since Saturday for the congress and elections.

The election was held following the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development invocation of section 10.4 of the 2017 AFN Constitution which led to the dissolution of Board citing the expiration of its term.

The Congress which was presided over by Ambassador Haruna Manta, Chairman of Niger state athletics association, also elected the federation’s First Vice-President and Second Vice-President.

The election was conducted by a team led by Elias Gora, a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

Gadzama Tafida-Wadzani who represents the North-East zone was elected unopposed First Vice-President, with 43 of the 44 votes.

Rosa Collins-Okah who represents NAWIS was elected Second Vice-President with 42 of the 44 votes.

The three of them are joined on the new AFN board by Manta, representing the North-Central zone, Yusuf Liman (North-West), Victor Okorie (South-East) and Solomon Alao (South-West).

The rest are Prof. Emmanuel Ojeme (NAPHER-SD), Maria Wophill (international sports bodies), Samuel Onikeku (institutional sports representative) and Henry Okorie (athletes’ representatives).

Representatives of the technical bodies/coaches association, as well as the philanthropists/sponsors/ex-officio, will join the board alongside the Federation’s Secretary-General for a 14-man board.

Okowa, who is Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission and represents the South-South zone on the board, while thanking the delegates for electing him pledged to reach out for unity.

“We have had free and fair elections here today, and I thank you all for this. I will not disappoint you.

“First of all, my mandate is all about the Athletes and Coaches, we’ll make sure we give them an enabling environment to succeed, we will give priority to welfare package. We have to draw up our programs and ensure we do proper budget especially the one that will favour the Athletes and Coaches and ensure they excel”

The newly elected executive assured that they will work in unison with all zones to fulfill their mandate.

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Sports

NSC Sets Up Organizing Committee for 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially constituted the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 3rd combined African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to hold from July 16 to 20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The LOC comprises fifteen distinguished professionals with proven expertise in sports administration and corporate affairs. Their appointment underscores the Commission’s commitment to delivering a world-class championship that meets global standards.

The African U18/U20 Athletics Championship is a premier continental event that brings together over 500 junior athletes from across Africa. With participation expected from 53 countries, the championship is a major event in the African athletics calendar.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, will serve as Chairman of the Organising Committee, while the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, has been appointed Vice Chairman.

According to Hon. Olopade, hosting the 3rd edition of this prestigious biennial championship reflects the new direction of sports under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, positioning Nigeria as a destination for international sporting events.

“This speaks to the sports economy, this speaks to hospitality, this speaks to wealth creation and this speaks to infrastructure development.”

Hon. Olopade further attributed the successful bid to host the championship to the availability of world-class sports infrastructure in Ogun State.

The state’s MKO Abiola International Stadium, upgraded for the Gateway Games, was a key factor in securing the hosting rights.

“The Sports facilities in Abeokuta are world class and hosting the U18/U20 African Championship is one of the benefits of hosting the National Sports Festival and I must once again thank the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, for his Sporting Vision,” he added.

Members of the Local Organising Committee: 1. Hon. Bukola Olopade – Chairman 2. Hon. Wasiu Isiaka – Vice Chairman 3. Mr. Osaze Ubueze – Member (Corporate Nigeria) 4. Ms. Rosa Collins – Member 5. Mr. Gadzama Tafiga – Member 6. Mrs. Maria Wophil – Member 7. Ms. Chichi Nwoko – Member 8. Mr. Nnefiok Udo-Ubong – Member 9. Mr. Gowon Apondona – Member 10. Mallam Ladan Mustapha – Member 11. Mrs. Arabinrin Aderonke – Member 12. Barr. Musa Amadu – Member 13. Mr. Jude Anyadufu – Member 14. Mr. Babatunde Adeluola – Member 15. Mr. Shagaya Abdulmumeen – Secretary

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