By Akinwale Kasali
There is a wind of change in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, circle, following the election held yesterday, Monday June, 14, 2021, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Prior to the election, the Minister of Youth and Sport, Sunday Dare, had announced the dissolution of the Solomon Ogba led board of the AFN, calling for a prompt election for the Constitution of a new Board.
Tonobok Okowa of Delta State emerged the new President.
The Congress was attended by 35 State Chairmen of AFN, who converged in Abuja since Saturday for the Congress and elections.
The election was held following the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development invocation of section 10.4 of the 2017 AFN Constitution which led to the dissolution of Board citing the expiration of its term.
The Nigeria Olympics Committee, NOC, the Ministry’s representatives and Nigeria’s Ambassador designate to South Africa amongst others were observers at the election.
Okowa pulled 40 votes out of the available 44 votes to emerge winner, unopposed, to the delight of his people from Delta State and the South-south region.
Speaking after the victory, Okowa affirmed that his mandate as President would prioritise athletes and coaches’ welfare.
“First of all, my mandate is all about the Athletes and Coaches, we’ll make sure we give them an enabling environment to succeed, we will give priority to welfare package.
“We have to draw up our programmes and ensure we do proper budget especially the one that will favour the Athletes and Coaches and ensure they excel”.
The newly elected Executive members assured that they will work in unison with all zones to fulfill their mandate.
