President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has declared his readiness to seek re-election in the upcoming federation’s poll in order to consolidate on the gains already achieved under his tenure.
Okowa told journalists in Agbor, Delta State, that the work, reforms and programs that he and the current AFN board had put in place, has put him in good stead to secure a second term.
“What we are doing in the AFN right now is critical to the success we are yearning for in athletics and Nigerian sports in general. We have laid a solid foundation through our ‘Get Our Athletes In School’ program,” Okowa said. “The program has helped a good number of athletes to secure scholarships and admission into American Colleges and Universities, and they have been combining their academics with sports seamlessly.”
Okowa, who doubles as the President Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Zone II and a Vice President Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), explained that the AFN appointed a very efficient and effective Performance Director, Victor Okorie, who resides closely to the athletes.
According to Okowa, Okorie has been actively involved in monitoring the athletes and preparing the Nigerian team for upcoming events like the World Athletics Relays, the African Championships and other major competitions.
He said Okorie alongside the Technical Director of AFN, Samuel Onikeku, have helped to drive the federation’s policies and programs. And for the next four years they are expected to build on the success story so far, as well as accelerate other new initiatives.
He continued: “As Technical Director, Onikeku, is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of AFN’s operations, including athletes’ development, coaching, and competitions.
“Our relationship with the athletes is great and cordial and we have also established excellent working relationships and partnerships with quite a number of state governments to accelerate the growth of athletics across the country,” added the former Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission.
Okowa reiterated that during the last four years, Nigerian athletics is steadily regaining its lost glory in athletics, adding the country is on the right path.
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He continued: “At the World Youth Championship in Kenya, Team Nigeria came third, at the Senior Athletics Championship in Mauritius and Cameroon, Team Nigeria athletes left their mark on the track.
“In Lusaka, the Zambian capital at the African Youth Championship, we had an excellent outing. What about our stellar performance at the African Games in Ghana, as well as our superb showing at the World Relay Championship in Bahamas, and at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games we showed strength, character and class.
“Despite, the difficulty associated with funding major competitions, the AFN has been able to honour all its championship obligations including the Confederation of African Athletics Zone II Senior Championship in Accra, Ghana which we won in style. And even at the Paris Olympic Games, where we failed to finish on the podium, a lot of first and feats were achieved by our athletes.
“Like in every human endeavour, there is always the need for improvement and we are ready to climb the ladder of growth and development to get athletics in Nigeria to where it truly belongs,” he added.
Currently, four other persons have indicated interest in running for the AFN top job, this development, Okowa said it was a healthy development, adding it shows that the his administration is putting athletics back on track, and people are taking notes.
“I love competition and I also like the interest shown in running for the Presidency of AFN, but what have you done for the sport in the last ten years or more, is the big question the delegates will answer with their votes in Asaba, at the end of this month,” Okowa noted.
He added: “Let’s wait for the guidelines for the election into the AFN to be out, and then they can see where they fit in, but as for me and my team we have done the needful, and I’m sure with God’s backing we shall win and continue with our programs and get athletics in Nigeria back to the top.”
The well -attended AFN Congress, held some few weeks back in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, is a strong indication of Okowa’s acceptance and the support base of his candidacy as he seeks re-election.
The next election into the board of the AFN holds on May 31st in Asaba, Delta State.