Chief Tonobok Okowa has been re-elected as President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) following Thursday’s Congress in Abuja, pledging inclusive leadership and unity among stakeholders in Nigerian athletics.
Okowa, who ran unopposed after other aspirants fell short of the final stage, emphasized the need for cohesion in his post-election speech, urging the athletics community to move beyond electoral tensions and work together.
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“Elections test our passion, but they must never fracture our athletics family,” Okowa said. “I pledge to lead inclusively, ensuring every voice is heard as we forge a common ground for Nigerian athletics…my door and my heart is open for collaboration.”
The victory grants Okowa, also Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), a second term at the helm of Nigerian athletics for the next four years.
How the Race Unfolded
Although four aspirants initially expressed interest in the presidency, Okowa emerged as the sole candidate after key opponents were eliminated at various stages:
Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd.), a former Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, withdrew from the race strategically.
Constantine Itiako “Malik” Ikpokpo lost at the South-South Zonal election to ex-sprinter Gabriel Okon.
Sunday Adeleye was defeated in the North-West Zonal election by Ladan Abubakar Zurmi, who now assumes office as AFN’s First Vice President.
Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze was elected Second Vice President. The slot for the athletes’ representative on the board remains undecided.
Delivering a charge to the newly constituted board, Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olapade, urged the members to rise to the challenge of transforming athletics in the country.
“The ball is now in your court, and you must not fail Nigerians in this task of repositioning our track and field,” Olapade stated.
Performance Director Victor Okorie and Technical Director Samuel Onikeku retained their board seats and are expected to continue spearheading the Federation’s core programs and technical strategies, including athlete development and international competition readiness.
As Nigerian athletics looks ahead, the emphasis remains on building synergy among board members—many of whom are former athletes—and leveraging their experience to create a sustainable and high-performing ecosystem.
“This board must work as a unit,” a stakeholder commented. “It’s a good omen that many are ex-athletes, but unity will be key to success.”
The AFN enters this new term with both optimism and expectations high, as stakeholders eagerly await measurable progress and transformation in Nigerian athletics.
The new board comprises a mix of returning officials, technocrats, and a significant representation of former athletes, a development welcomed by stakeholders who see it as a potential game-changer for the sport—if unity is maintained.
AFN Executive Board Members:
Chief Tonobok Okowa – President
Ladan Abubakar Zurmi – 1st Vice President
Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze – 2nd Vice President
Gabriel Okon
Fatima Yusuf Olukoju
Olufemi Sule
Lekan Soetan
Victor Okorie
Samuel Onikeku
Professor Frank Atare
Babayo Adamu
Solomon Aliu
Honorary Administrative Officers:
Dele Edokapyi – Legal Adviser
Dr. Kolawole Oredipe – Auditor
Dr. Nneka Anibeze – Chief Operating Officer
Babajide Odeseji – Safeguarding Officer
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