Okowa reelected AFN president
Former Delta Sports Commission chairman Tonobok Okowa has been re-elected as the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), during its Elective Congress held in Abuja on Thursday.
Okowa, the incumbent president, was the sole candidate for the highly esteemed office of the Federation, as the three other candidates eyeing the prestigious office did not reach the final hurdle.
Omatseye Nesiama had tactically and strategically pulled out of the race while another aspirant, Constantine Itiako Ikpokpo, fondly called Malik, was beaten at the South-South Zonal election by a former sprinter, Gabriel Okon.
Sunday Adeleye, who was dreaming of occupying the number one position in Nigerian athletics, was eliminated in the North-West Zonal election into the board by Ladan Abubakar Zurmi, who is now the first Vice President of AFN, while Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze is the second Vice President.
After the election Okowa said his victory at the polls is for all athletes’ and stakeholders saying: “Elections test our passion, but they must never fracture our athletics family.”
“I pledged to lead inclusively, ensuring every voice is heard as we forge a common ground for Nigerian athletics…my door and my heart are open for collaboration,” Okowa, a vice president of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), stated.
He added that he would be pursuing a four-point agenda in his second tenure, which includes an aggressive grassroots talent hunt programme and education of our Nigerian athletes.
The slot for the athlete’s representative is yet to be decided.
AFN new board members are: Fatima Yusuf Olukoju, Olufemi Sule, Lekan Soetan, Solomon Aliu, Victor Okorie, Gabriel Okon, Samuel Onikeku, Frank Atare, Babayo Adamu, Tonobok Okowa – president, Ladan Abubakar Zurmi – 1st vice president and Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze – 2nd vice president.
Meanwhile, four administrative personnel were added to the AFN team.
They are: Dele Edokapyi – Legal Adviser, Kolawole Oredipe – Auditor, Nneka Anibeze – Chief Operating Officer and Babajide Odeseji – Safeguarding Officer.
