Sports

Sports Ministry Dissolves 7 Sports Para Federations Board

Published

3 years ago

March 24, 2022

Joel Ajayi

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Development has announced the dissolution of the boards of seven (7) Para Sports Federations, with effect from Thursday, March 24th 2022.

The para sports federation include; Amputee Football, Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para Soccer, Deaf Sports, Para Swimming and Wheelchair Basketball.

Sports Minister Mr Sunday Dare, who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar during the press conference in Abuja said the board was dissolved upon the expiration of their tenure.

According to him, in line with Article 20.1 of Code of Governance of National Sports Federations, the Boards of the 7 Para Sports Federations are hereby dissolved and the Secretaries General of these Federations are mandated to handle the affairs of the Federations pending the elections and inauguration of new Boards.

“As you are aware, the Boards of Para Sports Federations were inaugurated on February 27, 2018, after the successful elections that were held for various positions on the Boards, You are also aware that elections into the Board of these Sports Federations has been a 4-year term tenure, which has already expired by February 27, 2022.

“It is in that regard therefore, that the Ministry is inviting your attention, to thank you most sincerely for the sacrifices of your time and material things and the contributions you made in the development of Para sports in Nigeria.

“It will be on record that your efforts have been part of the contributions that led to the recognition and subsequent establishment of a Department in the Ministry in charge of Para Sports activities in Nigeria.

“It is our hope that the good working relationship we established and enjoyed with you will continue to wax stronger, not because we once crossed each other only, but because of your pet projects you are living behind.

“We hope that whenever you are called upon to render more services you will be glad to accept.” He said.

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

2 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

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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