In a defining moment for Nigerian athletics, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has completed its Executive Board with the election of new representatives for the South East and North West zones. The elections, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, mark a significant milestone in the federation’s ongoing transformation.
Supervised by Honourable Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the zonal elections were conducted in an atmosphere of transparency and order—qualities that have often been missing in past sporting governance.
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In the South East zone, Mr. Festus Okorie emerged unopposed, winning all four votes available in a clean 4–0 sweep. His emergence reflects growing consensus around leadership choices in a region known for its athletic history and contributions to national competitions.
Meanwhile, in the North West, Abubakar Ladan Zurmi secured a decisive 5–1 victory against Hon. Sunday Adeleye of Kaduna State, a result that reinforces stakeholder confidence in new leadership.
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Speaking shortly after the conclusion of the elections, DG Olopade commended the AFN for delivering a credible process that will lay a solid foundation for the federation’s next four years.
“Athletics is one of our major sports, and it is very important to get it right with the election process. That is the foundation of everything that will be achieved,” Olopade stated.
He further emphasized the critical role of the AFN in driving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Sports Mandate, urging stakeholders to prioritize unity and long-term development over individual ambitions.
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“We all belong to the same sports family,” he added. “Not everyone can be on the board at once, but we must keep seeking peace, cooperation, and reconciliation for the greater good of Nigerian athletics.”
Now with its board fully constituted, the AFN is poised to focus on implementing a long-term development roadmap for the sport. The goal is not just administrative progress but renewed success on the track, field, and global stage.
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As Nigeria’s track and field scene gears up for the next Olympic cycle and other international competitions, this fresh leadership slate may just be the leap the country needs to rise again as an African powerhouse in athletics.
