Sports
Olympian, Uche Eke gives Scholarship To Two TIG Gymnasts in USA, Donate Equipments
Joel Ajayi
Despite not growing up in the country, the Olympian who represented Nigeria at the Gymnastics event in Tokyo 2020 Uche Eke has given out scholarships to two Members of Tony Asuquo Gymnastic TIG Club to pursue their career in sports in the United States of America.
Uche who is now a Software Engineer in the state promised to donate gymnastics equipment to his childhood club to help the children have better training.
Softspoken Eke, the trailblazing Nigerian Olympian who made history by representing the country at the Tokyo 2022 Olympics, is presently in Nigeria on holiday, seizing the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of gymnastics in the nation.
Addressing a gathering during a training session at Moshood Abiola Stadium’s gymnasium hall, Eke articulated his post-retirement commitment to establishing a robust platform for the flourishing of young Nigerian gymnasts. Reflecting on the profound opportunities he presented by representing his country, he underscored the importance of creating avenues for the next generation of Nigerian talent.
Recalling his own experiences while preparing for Tokyo 2020, Eke recognized the abundance of untapped talent among aspiring gymnasts, hindered only by the lack of appropriate environments and equipment. Now, he is determined to make a difference by providing scholarships for two promising gymnasts to pursue training in the United States, ensuring access to cutting-edge facilities and participation in top-tier competitions.
Expanding on his philanthropic endeavors, Eke announced plans to support the Tony International Gymnastics Club (TIG) by providing essential equipment. His goal is to empower young athletes, enabling them to hone their skills and potentially secure podium finishes at future Olympic Games.
He expressed that he desires to see many Nigerian Gymnasts succeed and surpass what he has done, saying that he desires to see the next person that will go to the Olympics for Nigeria to win a medal not just go.
When asked if he is going to participate in this year’s Olympics in Paris? Uche expressed: “It makes me sad to say that I will not be participating. But you know, we are doing some other things such as trying to sponsor two gymnasts, and take them, somewhere in the United States and have them trained up with great equipment.
“That is why I am here, the idea of picking some children from Nigeria, taking them abroad, we have raw talents, looking at them they are strong but the only disadvantage is equipment, it’s bad for their safety, and it slows down the pace of their learning process. Everyone here is determined, they have the Nigerian blood flowing through them that is why I decided to give scholarships to two of them every year to enable them to have better equipment.”
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Sports
Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board
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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