NSC tasks newly elected AFN board on Tinubu’s sports agenda

By Olaolu Joseph

The newly elected board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has been urged to align its activities with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for sports development in the country.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, gave the charge while inaugurating the board after a successful elective congress held during the week.

The NSC specifically tasked the Tonobok Okowa-led board to embrace the “Renewed Hope” mantra of President Tinubu, which is anchored on the “Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch” mandate of the Commission.

“Let me congratulate you all on making it to the board of the AFN. As you all know, athletics is not just another sport but one of our major sports, and we cannot afford to get it wrong this time,” Mallam Dikko stated.

Continuing, he said, “You all are carrying the passion of over 200 million Nigerians. Therefore, I want you to know that the expectations are very high. You must ensure your work is felt across the country and in all zones, both through regular domestic competitions and talent discovery and nurturing.”

Also speaking, the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, who witnessed the entire process, urged athletics stakeholders to work together as a family and protect the AFN brand despite any differences that may have arisen from the elections.

In his words, Olopade said, “I believe that no matter the anger or differences, if you truly love your sport, the de-marketing of it cannot come from you. Today should mark the end of all negativity, and we must move forward if we truly love athletics.”

He concluded by expressing confidence in the newly constituted board, saying, “I have no doubt that this new board will achieve greatness because of the quality of people it comprises. No sport in this country has the brand visibility that athletics does. With the AFN having a Chief Operating Officer, I am confident that better funding will come, and Nigeria will win more laurels.”