AFN President, Okowa, says teamwork, right policies, environment, divine backing, will help federation to flourish

Posted : 02 January 2025

The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, has appealed for more understanding, support, and encouragement as the federation begins preparations for the 2025 season.

In an interview, Okowa offered insights into the sporting progress made, the challenges faced, and plans for the year ahead.

Okowa said, "We thank the Almighty God that we ended the year well.

"We had many moments of grace, blessings, and sweet stories during the year. We now have a new National Sports Commission (NSC), with seasoned and experienced hands to steer its ship.

"It was a great achievement that young, hardworking, and dedicated youth served the sporting community and the country well."

He also noted that 2024 came with challenges, particularly the inability of Team Nigeria Athletics to mount the podium in Paris during the Olympic Games.

"Already, some of the athletes have reopened their training sessions, putting in double shifts and burning the candle at both ends for a more rewarding 2025," Okowa said.

Looking ahead to 2025, Okowa, who is also the President of the Confederation of African Athletics Zone II, noted that the AFN will celebrate 81 years since its foundation with result-oriented and proactive programs that will produce positive results.

"It is the year of hard work and God's mercies on all our athletes, officials, supporters, sponsors, as well as the country. We must seize the opportunity the Sports Commission provides to help athletics blossom," he emphasized.

He went on to state that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has rolled out a detailed program for 2025, starting with the registration formalities this month.

Okowa also reflected on the leadership changes that occurred in the sports circuit with the appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko as the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Bukola Olopade as the Director General, saying this is positive progress.

"We at the AFN strongly believe that these changes will certainly bring glad tidings to athletics and sport in general.

"The steps taken so far by the new-look NSC are an indication that sports in Nigeria are heading in the right direction," the former Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission stressed.

"We look forward to the new year with great anticipation. We have been preparing to implement several initiatives that we have planned for the year, and we are confident that it will be productive and successful in due time."

He concluded by sending his New Year wishes: "I would like to extend my heartfelt New Year wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his family, all Nigerians, and the athletics community. May we all continue to work together for peace and prosperity."

AFN President, Okowa, says teamwork, right policies, environment, divine backing, will help federation to flourish

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