Sports
Sports Minister Tasks Federations On African Games, Olympics, Paralympics Podium Finish

Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has urged Federations to podium finish in the upcoming African Games, Olympics as well as Paralympics.
Speaking during a technical meeting with sports federation presidents at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Thursday in Abuja, he said the meeting aims to foster collaboration, and synchronize plans, and strategies for collective actions among the various sports federations for podium finish ahead of international competition in the year and beyond.
He reiterated his commitment and determination to take the nation’s sports to greater heights and sued for the cooperation of the various stakeholders.
According to him, Looking at where we are coming from, there is no reason why we should not hold periodic meetings between the Ministry and the various sports federations. On our part, the Ministry is fully committed to ensuring that these meetings take place periodically because we have a shared responsibility with the sports federations.
“It was necessary for the Federations to push for a podium finish in all the competitions.
“We will be participating in the African Games, Olympics and Paralympics.
“Federations must work hard to finish on the podium in all their events
” Let me thank you for all the work that you have thrown into the development of different sports.”
The Minister commended the Ministerial Podium Performance Advisory Team led by Professor Ken Anugweje and the Presidents of the various Sports Federations for the work they are doing in the various federations.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar, said that the meeting was convened by the minister to enable the various stakeholders to brainstorm and evolve strategies for the nation to achieve success at the African, Olympic/Paralympic Games and other sports competitions.
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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