Re-elected President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa has promised a fresh start rooted in unity, inclusivity, and reform as he begins his second term in office.
Speaking after his unopposed victory and the swearing-in of the new 11-member board by a National Sports Commission (NSC) legal officer, Okowa vowed to learn from past mistakes and steer Nigerian athletics toward progress.
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“We’ve gone wrong in the former tenure. We are going to do our best and make sure we correct them,” Okowa said. “I want to believe that this time, it will not be business as usual.”
Okowa, who emphasized the technical expertise within the new board, said its composition—rich in coaches and athletics professionals—will be key to implementing forward-thinking strategies and securing private sector funding.
“This board has a lot of technical minds, and by the grace of God, every advice we need to move this federation forward, we have the right people,” he added. “We are not going to fight like the former board. We will work together.”
The AFN president also assured athletes of a more supportive and responsive leadership.
“We will work as brothers and sisters, bring our athletes closer, understand their plights, and support them from the start.
And the National Sports Commission agreed to work with us and try as much as possible to give us funds to work. So that will make life easier for the federation members.”
With renewed leadership and a promise of collaboration, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria now looks ahead to a new chapter—one focused on unity, accountability, and the sustained growth of athletics across the nation.
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