A former head of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Honourable Olamide George, has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) , the supervisory body for all sports federations in Nigeria, to ensure that only credible, visionary people with visible track record and without any criminal records, be allowed to contest election into the athletics’ body and indeed all the sports federations.
Speaking ahead of the May 31st elections into the board of the AFN, George dismissed the chances of the incumbent President Tonobok Okowa, describing his four year tenure as ‘ the worst in the history of the AFN’.
Therefore, George has urged the Mallam Shehu Dikko-led NSC to ensure a transparent vetting process for all those contesting for leadership positions within the AFN, adding the process should include, but not limited to verification of credentials, assessment of track records, and criminal records.
“A thorough review of academic records and qualifications to ensure candidates possess the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively, a detailed look into their previous roles and professional achievements, highlighting their commitment to excellence and ethical conduct as well as a look into their private endeavours, “ the Ondo State Athletics Association Chairman noted.
“The NSC should launch an investigation into any connection to doping offenses or drug-related activities, ensuring that no ex-convicts or individuals with questionable histories hold positions that demand trust and transparency.
“This is not just a procedural formality; it is a moral imperative for safeguarding the credibility of our athletics community. Those with compromised records should not be allowed to take charge of the hopes and dreams of our athletes, whose futures depend on fair and impartial leadership,” he advised.
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On the chances of Okowa, George said those who imposed the former Delta Sports Commission boss on Nigerian athletics did the sport more evil than good.
“To those who chose to stand behind Okowa in the leadership of the AFN, history has a way of recording the choices we make, silently storing them until the weight of time reveals their significance,” he said philosophically.
“Whether out of loyalty, self-interest, or misplaced intentions, the selfish decisions they endorsed four years ago has destroyed the bedrock of our athletics, our athletes, and our nation’s sporting legacy.
“Leadership is not just about power or alliances; it is about responsibility, fairness, and the undeniable duty to prioritize the greater good over personal agendas,” George said in the statement.
The former Ondo State’s said he thought Okowa would built on the good job his administration started albeit his election was fraught with controversies and illegality.
He continued: “I know the elections that brought Okowa in was illegal. For example, well over 40 votes were reported to have been casted when the 2017 AFN Constitution stipulated that only the Chairman of a state (or Secretary if the Chairman is unavailable) can vote and are recognised as delegates.
“We have 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory which means only 37 votes should have been casted. This also invalidates the election but as a true lover of the sport, I decided not to go to court to challenge the election because it will expose our Federation as one with total disregard for its guiding document.
“I thought Okowa would make the athletes his and his board’s priority like we did in the less than three years we spent in running the Federation.
“We made sure we not only provided enough competitions for them but also accommodated them and provided transport subsidy as well as prize money. In 2020, we were able to do two competitions before Covid-19, and the following shutdown disrupted events worldwide, including sporting activities.
“In 2021, we started very early with the all-comers meet in Akure, which I wholly sponsored before the Ondo state government helped to sponsor a second event.
“We also got the Ekiti state government to sponsor another competition for the athletes as well as the Edo state government to sponsor our ‘Test the Track’ event in preparations for the 21st National Sports Festival in April.
“Through these competitions, a large number of our athletes improved on their personal bests, and we were able to get two wholly home based sprinters to qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo.
“Enoch Adegoke and Grace Nzubechi Nwokocha made history as the first Nigerian sprinters to train at home and qualify for the Olympics,” explained George.