Tonobok Okowa Re-Elected AFN President, Pledges Inclusive Leadership

Posted : 13 June 2025

Former Delta State Sports Commissioner, Tonobok Okowa, has been re-elected as President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) following a one-sided elective congress supervised by the National Sports Commission (NSC) in Abuja.

Okowa, who sought a second term, emerged as the consensus candidate after three other aspirants—Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, Constantine Itiako Ikpokpo (popularly known as Malik), and Sunday Adeleye—either withdrew or were eliminated during zonal elections. The last-minute consultations and withdrawals led to Okowa running unopposed.

Sunday Adeleye lost his bid in the North-West Zonal elections to Ladan Abubakar Zurmi, who has now been elected as the first Vice President of the AFN. Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze was elected as the second Vice President.

Speaking after his victory, Okowa dedicated the win to all athletes and stakeholders, stating:

“Elections test our passion, but they must never fracture our athletics family. I pledge to lead inclusively, ensuring every voice is heard as we forge common ground for Nigerian athletics… My door and my heart are open for collaboration.”

Okowa, who also serves as a Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), outlined a four-point agenda for his new tenure. This includes an aggressive grassroots talent hunt and enhanced education for Nigerian athletes.

The athlete's representative slot on the board is yet to be decided.

New AFN Board Members:

Chief Tonobok Okowa – President
Ladan Abubakar Zurmi – 1st Vice President
Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze – 2nd Vice President
Fatima Yusuf Olukoju
Olufemi Sule
Lekan Soetan
Victor Okorie
Gabriel Okon
Samuel Onikeku
Professor Frank Atare
Babayo Adamu
Solomon Aliu

Honorary Administrative Officials:

Dele Edokapyi – Legal Adviser
Dr. Kolawole Oredipe – Auditor
Dr. Nneka Anibeze – Chief Operating Officer
Babajide Odedeji – Safeguarding Officer

Notably, key figures such as Victor Okorie (Performance Director) and Samuel Onikeku (Technical Director), who played critical roles in implementing AFN policies over the past four years, were re-elected to the board. They are expected to continue driving technical progress and athlete development.

The NSC’s Director General, Bukola Olapade, charged the new board with the responsibility of revitalizing Nigerian athletics, stating: “The ball is now in your court and you must not fail Nigerians in this task of repositioning our track and field.”

Interestingly, the new AFN board is heavily populated by former athletes—a development stakeholders regard as promising but one that could be counterproductive if unity and collaboration are not prioritized.

Tonobok Okowa Re-Elected AFN President, Pledges Inclusive Leadership

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