2024: AFN President Okowa salutes stakeholders, seeks NSC support for 2025
By Olaolu Joseph
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has commended all sponsors, partners, athletes, officials, and the media, recognizing them collectively as the AFN’s “Sports Personality of the Year 2024.”
He also appealed for support from the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure an even more successful 2025.
Chief Okowa made these remarks during a media briefing, where he reviewed the Federation’s activities over the past year and outlined plans for 2025.
“Without our numerous sponsors, led by Premium Trust Bank, our partners, athletes, and the media, athletics would not have flourished in 2024. We are deeply grateful to them,” said Okowa, who also serves as the President of the Confederation of African Athletics Zone II.
He highlighted the contributions of Edo and Delta States, as well as private supporters, which he described as instrumental in making the 2024 athletics season a resounding success.
“The list of individuals and corporate bodies backing athletics over the years is extensive. We at AFN appreciate you all. Our friends in the media, you are our backbone. Thank you so much, and like Oliver Twist, we will keep asking for more,” Okowa added.
Okowa, a former Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, praised the Edo State Government for hosting the All Nigeria Athletics Championship 2024 National Trials, dubbed the “Breaking Barriers” Championship.
He also noted that over 90% of the Federation’s events, both domestic and international, were successfully executed in 2024.
He expressed delight over the record number of participants in the 8th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, emphasizing that the increased participation by states and their presence on the medal table bodes well for the future of Nigerian athletes.
Okowa detailed several significant accomplishments for the year, including:
Dominating the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, in March, where Team Nigeria Athletics topped the medal table.
Qualifying four relay teams at the World Relay Championship in the Bahamas in May.
Winning the CAA Region II Championship in Accra, Ghana, in June.
The induction of Tobi Amusan into the University of Texas El Paso’s (UTEP) Hall of Fame.
“These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our athletes and the unwavering support of individuals, corporate bodies, and the media,” Okowa noted.
He also celebrated Team Nigeria Athletics’ strong performances at the 13th African Games, the World Relay Championship, and the African Senior Athletics Championship in Douala, Cameroon.
Despite financial challenges and the late withdrawal of some elite athletes, Team Nigeria Athletics made history, including three Nigerian female long jumpers reaching the final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Looking ahead, Okowa expressed optimism for a “bigger and better 2025 athletics circuit.”
He urged more sponsors and partners to support initiatives like the Secondary Schools Championships and the Inter-Collegiate Championship for higher institutions, emphasizing that such programs are the foundation for the future of Nigerian athletics.
Okowa also appealed to the National Sports Commission to provide financial support and enact robust policies to benefit the Federation and sports development in general.
He encouraged corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to invest in athletics, noting its transformative economic potential.
The AFN’s 2025 calendar is packed with both domestic and international events, and the Federation is confident of achieving even greater success with continued support.
The year 2025 will also feature elections into the Federation, scheduled for June in Asaba, Delta State.
Okowa, elected President of the Confederation of African Athletics Zone II last year in Accra, Ghana, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing athletics in Nigeria and the African continent.
