Okowa re-elected AFN President

By Olaolu Joseph

Incumbent President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, was re-elected on Thursday in Abuja during the federation’s elective congress.

Okowa, who ran unopposed after other contenders failed to qualify through zonal elections, secured a second term in office.

Ladan Abubakar Zurmi was elected as the First Vice President, while Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze emerged as the Second Vice President.

Other members of the new AFN board include Fatima Yusuf Olukoju, Olu Sule, Lekan Soetan, Victor Okorie, Gabriel Okon, Samuel Onikeku, Professor Frank Atare, Babayo Adamu, and Solomon Aliu.

Speaking after his inauguration by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, Okowa expressed gratitude to the delegates for their continued trust and promised to take Nigerian athletics to the next level.

“I pledge to lead inclusively, ensuring every voice is heard as we forge a common ground for Nigerian athletics,” Okowa said. “My office is open for collaboration.”

He revealed a four-point agenda for his second term, including an aggressive grassroots talent hunt and education initiatives for Nigerian athletes.

NSC Director-General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, commended the new board and urged them to work diligently to reposition Nigerian athletics. Four honorary members were also inaugurated: Dele Edokpayi (Legal Adviser), Dr. Nneka Anibeze (Chief Operating Officer), Kolawole Oredipe (Auditor), and Babajide Odeseji (Safeguarding Officer).