In a decisive show of confidence, Chief Tonobok Okowa was re-elected unopposed as President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) during the Elective Congress held in Abuja. Okowa, who has been at the helm since 2021, sealed his re-election after all other contenders either withdrew or failed to progress through the zonal stages of the election.
In a display of sportsmanship, Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama stepped down before the final vote, paving the way for Okowa’s re-election. Ladan Abubakar Zurmi emegedas the AFN’s First Vice President and Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze as the Second Vice President.
A Call for Unity
In his victory speech, Okowa extended an olive branch to all stakeholders, emphasizing the need for unity in the athletics family. “Elections test our passion, but they must never fracture our athletics family,” he said. “I pledge 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.”
A Four-Point Agenda
Okowa outlined a four-point agenda for his second tenure, focusing on:
1. Aggressive grassroots talent discovery Identifying and nurturing young talents from the grassroots level.
2. Holistic education for athletes: Providing athletes with the necessary education and support to excel both on and off the track.
3. Institutional reforms for accountability Implementing reforms to ensure transparency and accountability within the AFN.
4. Improved international representation and partnerships: Enhancing Nigeria’s representation and partnerships on the global stage.
A New Era for AFN
The newly constituted AFN board brings together a mix of seasoned administrators and former athletes, including Fatima Yusuf Olukoju, Gabriel Okon, and Olufemi Sule. The composition is seen as a positive move, with many stakeholders believing that athletes-turned-administrators bring valuable perspective and passion to the job.
Challenges Ahead
While the new board generates optimism, experts warn that unity and professionalism will be crucial to its success. The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olapade, charged the new board with the responsibility of repositioning Nigerian athletics on the global stage, saying, “The ball is now in your court. You must not fail Nigerians in this task of repositioning our track and field.”
As the AFN looks to the future, all eyes are on the Federation’s next steps, particularly regarding grassroots programs and international competitiveness ahead of the 2026 African Championships and the 2028 Olympics. With the AFN athlete representative slot still pending, the stage is set for a new era in Nigerian athletics.
