Tag: Tonobok Okowa

The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Chief Tonobok Okowa and the entire athletics family have condoled with Mr. Maxwell Kumoye, Chairman of the AFN Media Committee, over the sudden demise of his beloved wife, Mrs. Funmilayo Kumoye.

In a personally signed statement,  Okowa expressed that everyone at the federation shares in the pain of the Kumoye family during this difficult time and prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

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He stated: “I was incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of your dear wife. She was always so thoughtful and kind. She will truly be missed. I know there are no words that can ease your pain at this time, but please be comforted that God will continue to protect the children and the entire family. Just know that we at the AFN will always be here for you, no matter what.

“I am aware that you and your late wife shared great times together. You were virtually inseparable. May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this heartbreaking time.”

Meanwhile, the wider athletics family—including athletes, coaches, administrators, and professional colleagues (journalists)—has joined the AFN president in condoling Mr. Kumoye on his irreparable loss. They have expressed deep grief and prayed for God to console the bereaved family.

The gun has gone off early, and Nigerian athletics is already sprinting into a defining year.

With a packed 2026 calendar that stretches across continents and competitions, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has boldly set the tone for what promises to be one of its most ambitious and eventful seasons in recent history.

From grassroots development to elite global showdowns, the message is crystal clear, Nigerian athletics is back on the front foot.

The season roars to life with registration and affiliation activities before flowing seamlessly into major domestic events like the AFN/Agroterra 10km Cross Country Race, the AFN Golden League, national championships, kids’ athletics series, and elite relays across Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Benin City and beyond.

It is a calendar designed not just to compete but to set a definite path to improve, restore lost glory and conquer.

Internationally, Nigerian athletes will test themselves against the world, featuring at the World Relays, Diamond League meetings, World Junior Championships, World Athletics Ultimate Championships and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The exposure is deliberate. The ambition is unmistakable.

At the heart of this renewed momentum is AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, whose vision has injected fresh belief into the sport.

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From his first days in office, Okowa has been vocal and consistent about one promise, to bring back the lost glory of Nigerian athletics.

 “This calendar is a statement,” an AFN insider noted. “It shows intent, structure, and belief in our athletes.”

Okowa’s leadership philosophy is built on rebuilding systems, empowering athletes, supporting coaches, and restoring Nigeria’s reputation as a global athletics force.

Anti-doping education, coaches’ workshops, regional championships and youth-focused competitions are not side notes but they are pillars of the plan.

Perhaps most importantly, the calendar reflects balance, nurturing young talent through Kids Athletics R.A.C.E Series, sharpening elites through high-performance meets, and reconnecting fans with the sport through nationwide festivals and championships.

As the tracks heat up from January to December, one thing is evident, AFN is no longer reacting; it is leading.

With Chief Tonobok Okowa at the helm with the comprehensive support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), corporate bodies and a clear roadmap in hand, Nigerian athletics is chasing more than medals this season.

“It is chasing identity, pride, and a return to the top. The season is long. The stakes are high. And for Nigerian athletics, the comeback has officially begun.” Okowa assured.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has reiterated its determination  to work with relevant stakeholders to fight the scourge  of  drug cheats in the business.

AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa  categorically said : “ there is no room for cheats.”

Following  the suspension of 19 athletes including promising Nigerian talent Imaobong Nse by the Integrity Unit of World Athletics for doping violations, the AFN  came out with its  firm stand,

The 19-man ban list is dominated  with  seven  Kenyans sent into the athletics’  wilderness for four years each while Brazil’s Daniel do Nascimento’s five years ban is the biggest hammer.

 “There is no room for cheats and athletes who are not willing to follow the rules in the Federation. You will recall that before the last Olympic Games in Paris, we funded sixty percent of the drug tests carried out, that is how serious we are in the Federation,” the AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa said.

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He added:  “At all major competitions on the home front we carry out our drug advocacy campaign to the athletes, coaches and technical officials involved in the business. The last of such seminars took place during the just concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.”

The AFN  further  denied under-the-tone talks that it has been docile in communicating the dangers and risks of doping violations and rules to athletes after Uko was handed a two-year ban by the AIU, adding  it has been diligent in communicating Anti-doping rules to athletes through its doping department headed by Professor Ken Anugweje.

The Federation emphasized that athlete discipline is crucial and that the Federation will continue to spread anti-doping principles to athletes. It has carried out a series of out-of-competition tests on elite athletes and warned them about career preservation through discipline.

The AFN regretted Imaobong Nse Uko’s ban and will assist her recovery until she serves out her ban.

Okowa, who was recently offered another four years term as President of AFN, advised athletes to properly cross-check vitamins and their dietary supplements to avoid endangering their careers and lives.

Tonobok Okowa has been re-elected as President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) after a successful election exercise held in Abuja yesterday.

The new AFN board, comprising 11 members, has been officially inaugurated to oversee the federation’s affairs for the next term.

Ladan Abubakar Zurmi was elected as the First Vice President, while Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze emerged as the Second Vice President. Other elected members of the board include Gabriel Okon, Samuel Okiekwu, Fatima Yusuf, Professor Frank Atare, Lekan Soetan, Adamu Babayo, Oluyomi Sule, and Victor Okorie.

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Shortly after taking the oath of office for his second term, Chief Okowa announced the appointment of Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe as the Auditor of the Federation. Dr. Oredipe is the current Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association and founder of Samkay Athletics Club. He was also a candidate for the South-South Zonal Representative slot in the recent election held in Benin City, Edo State.

A former middle-distance athlete, Dr. Oredipe is an Assistant Director, News at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and currently serves as Director-General, New Media to the Governor of Bayelsa State.

In addition to Dr. Oredipe, Chief Okowa also announced the appointments of ace sports commentator Dr. Nneka Nkem Anibieze as Chief Operating Officer of the AFN, Barrister Bamidele Edokpaye as Legal Adviser, and Mr. Babajide Odedeji as Safeguarding Officer.

Meanwhile, the race for the Coaches/Technical Officials representative slot remains unresolved, as Solomon Aliyu and Professor Ogunjimi are locked in a tight contest. The election for that position has been postponed, with a new date yet to be announced by the electoral committee.

The inauguration of the new board is expected to usher in a fresh era of stability and progress for Nigerian athletics as stakeholders  expressed confidence that the re-election of Tonobok Okowa will help consolidate previous achievements .