The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), pledging more support and partnership towards the growth of athletics on the continent.
Speaking on Monday at the opening ceremony of the CAA Congress, held at the Conference Hotel in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olopade described the ongoing 3rd CAA U-18/U-20 African Athletics Championships as a critical platform for nurturing Africa’s next generation of stars.
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“We are not only ready but also willing to do more with the CAA,” said Olopade, who also doubles as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Championships. “Even before my appointment as DG, I had been involved in promoting athletics through initiatives like the Lagos City Marathon, the biggest in Africa. That underscores my personal passion for the sport.”
He further revealed that high-level meetings have been scheduled between the leadership of the CAA and top Nigerian dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and key industry players, to foster stronger ties and chart a new course for athletics in Africa.
Olopade emphasized the Federal Government’s dedication to youth development through sports, highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to providing opportunities for young African athletes to excel on the global stage.
The opening ceremony of the Congress attracted a distinguished list of guests, including CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa; Vice Presidents of CAA—Bruno Konga, Derartu Tulu, Jackson Kiprono Tuwei, Amara Khaled, Zakhele Dlamini—as well as the President of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), Gen. Dahlan Jumaan Al-Hamad, and heads of delegations from participating nations.
In his welcome address, AFN President and CAA Region II leader, Chief Tonobok Okowa, praised the joint efforts of Ogun State and the Federal Government in hosting the Championships. He expressed optimism that the competition would help identify and groom future champions.
“This event is not just about competition; it is a celebration of the immense potential of our youth,” Okowa said. “Over the next four days, we expect to see incredible talent on display. These Championships serve as a springboard to bigger international events like the African Championships, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics.”
Okowa also challenged stakeholders to use the Congress to formulate policies that address issues affecting young athletes, including access to training facilities, nutrition, medical support, and anti-doping education.
“We must be deliberate in our collective effort to raise the standard of athletics across Africa. I believe this Congress will move us closer to our shared dream,” he concluded, offering a warm local greeting: “As we say here, Ekabo – Welcome.”
Over 700 athletes are expected to compete in the age-grade event, which runs from July 16 to 20, 2025. The championship promises to be a showcase of Africa’s finest emerging athletic talents.
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