The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken a significant stride towards solidifying its leadership structure with the successful conclusion of zonal elections in the South East and North West regions. These elections, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja under the watchful eye of National Sports Commission Director General, Bukola Olopade, mark a crucial step in shaping the future of Nigerian athletics. The transparent and credible electoral process underscores the commitment to building a strong foundation for the federation’s progress over the next four years.
The South East zone witnessed the re-election of Victor Okorie, a distinguished former athlete and silver medalist at the 2003 All African Games. Okorie’s recent service as AFN Performance Director from 2021 to 2023, coupled with his athletic background, positions him as a valuable asset to the board. He secured a resounding victory with a unanimous 4-0 vote, reaffirming the confidence placed in his leadership abilities. Meanwhile, the North West zone saw Ladan Zurmi of Zamfara emerge victorious, garnering a comfortable 5-1 win over Sunday Adeleye of Kaduna State. The outcome of these zonal elections contributes significantly to the composition of the AFN Executive Board, bringing together experienced individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise.
The successful completion of the zonal elections sets the stage for the highly anticipated AFN presidential election, scheduled to take place in Abuja the following day. This election will determine the individual who will spearhead the federation’s efforts to elevate Nigerian athletics to new heights. The elections underscore the importance of a strong and unified leadership in realizing the full potential of Nigerian athletes on both national and international stages. The newly elected zonal representatives join their colleagues on the board, ready to contribute to the development and advancement of Nigerian athletics.
Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, lauded the transparent and credible nature of the zonal elections, emphasizing their significance in laying a solid groundwork for the AFN’s success in the coming years. He highlighted the inseparable link between the NSC’s performance and the effectiveness of its federations, underscoring the AFN’s crucial role in implementing the “Renewed Hope Sports” mandate entrusted to the NSC by the President. Olopade’s emphasis on the AFN’s pivotal role reflects the importance of athletics in the broader context of Nigerian sports.
Recognizing the potential for discord in electoral processes, Olopade made a compelling call for unity and collaboration within the athletics community. He emphasized the importance of shared purpose, reminding stakeholders that they all belong to the same sporting family, working towards the common goal of advancing Nigerian sports. His appeal for peace and reconciliation underscored the need for a cohesive approach to address any tensions arising from the elections. The emphasis on collective effort and shared vision reflects the understanding that progress in Nigerian athletics requires a united front.
The zonal elections, coupled with the upcoming presidential election, signify a critical juncture for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. The focus on transparency and credibility in the electoral process, combined with the call for unity and collaboration, sets a positive tone for the future of Nigerian athletics. As the federation moves forward with its newly strengthened Executive Board, the emphasis on shared goals and a unified approach promises to pave the way for greater achievements in the years to come. The emphasis on transparency, unity and shared purpose creates a fertile ground for the growth and development of Nigerian athletics. The newly elected zonal representatives join their colleagues on the board, ready to contribute to the development and advancement of Nigerian athletics. They are tasked with the responsibility of shaping the future of Nigerian athletics and ensuring the realization of its full potential. With the zonal elections completed, the focus now shifts to the presidential election, which promises to be a defining moment for the future of Nigerian athletics.
