Ahead of next year’s athletics season across the African and global circuits, a guru of the sector in Nigeria, Olalekan Soetan has called for the emergence of a more vibrant technical committee ‘that responds promptly to emerging issues’ as they affect the country.
Sports247 reports that, while serving a strong projection into what a report sheet would reveal after the first eight months of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) current board, Soetan stressed that the technical committee needs people who are versed with dynamic changes that occur in the sport.
Although he serves as a member the AFN’s current technical committee as well as south-west representative on the board, Soetan reasoned further that the track and field body is bound to stumble when gurus of the sport are not given relevant roles to play.
The erudite athletics statistician added in his lengthy ‘proposal on the way forward’ for the sport: “I believe it is time for an honest conversation about the direction of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Technical Committee. I am increasingly concerned about how sensitive and highly technical matters affecting our athletes are being handled.
“Having served on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Executive Board for over a year, I believe we must begin to examine not just what decisions we make, but how we make them, who is accountable for them, and what measurable results we are delivering.
“We must also ask whether critical information is reaching the appropriate decision-makers promptly and accurately, and whether the existing structure provides sufficient oversight and accountability.
“I propose that the Technical Committee formally recommend to the AFN Executive Board a transparent process through which Committee members can elect the head of the technical department, subject to the Federation’s Constitution, applicable regulations and the Board’s approval.
“The objective is to establish clear lines of measurable performance expectations and an effective mechanism for holding technical leadership accountable. Where persistent negligence or failure is established, the Committee should have a defined process for reviewing the leadership.”
Soetan went on to disabuse the mind of any critic or analyst, who might conclude that he was merely preparing early ground for himself head of the AFN’s next elective congress, stating instead that his proposal is out of his genuine zeal to see Nigeria’s athletics grow.
“This is not about personal ambition or political manoeuvring. It is about ensuring that technical leadership is earned through competence and sustained through accountability. My proposal is for the Board to empower the Technical Committee through a properly documented and agreed process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not seeking to contest for the position. If the Committee accepts this proposal and approves an election process, I am willing to volunteer to serve as the Election Officer. My interest is in the reform itself, not the office.
“Nigerian athletics needs a Technical Committee that responds promptly to emerging issues, protects athletes’ interests, makes sound technical decisions and measures its performance by tangible outcomes.
“We cannot continue to separate technical responsibility from technical accountability. Nor should we allow administrative convenience to take precedence over the development and welfare of our athletes. We have the athletes. We have dedicated coaches.
“We have the technical knowledge within our system. The question is whether our structures are adequately organised to harness these resources and translate them into international success. (That’s why) I am placing this proposal in the public domain to encourage constructive engagement,” Soetan asserted.
Sports247 reports further that the outspoken athletics buff affirmed that the objective behind his proposal is not to create controversy, but to stimulate serious conversation that could bring about genuine institutional reform for Nigeria’s athletics terrain.
