Tonobok Okowa Re-Elected as AFN President, Inaugurates New Board and Key Appointments

Tonobok Okowa Re-Elected as AFN President, Inaugurates New Board and Key Appointments

By Admin 

 Tonobok Okowa has been re-elected as President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) following a successful electoral process that also ushered in a new 11-member board to steer the affairs of Nigerian athletics over the next term, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The newly inaugurated board includes Ladan Abubakar Zurmi, elected as First Vice President, and Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze, elected as Second Vice President. Other elected members are Gabriel Okon, Samuel Onikeku, Fatima Yusuf, Professor Frank Atare, Lekan Soetan, Adamu Babayo, Oluyomi Sule, and Victor Okorie.

Shortly after taking the oath of office for his second term, Okowa announced several key appointments to support the federation’s strategic goals.

Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe was named Auditor of the Federation. A former middle-distance athlete and Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association, Dr. Oredipe is also the founder of Samkay Athletics Club. He currently serves as Assistant Director of News at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Director-General of New Media to the Bayelsa State Governor. Notably, he was also a candidate in the recent South-South Zonal Representative election held in Benin City, Edo State.

Other key appointments include renowned sports broadcaster Dr. Nneka Nkem Anibieze as Chief Operating Officer, Barrister Bamidele Edokpaye as Legal Adviser, and Mr. Babajide Odedeji as Safeguarding Officer.

Meanwhile, the election for the Coaches/Technical Officials representative position remains unresolved, with Solomon Aliyu and Professor Ogunjimi locked in a close race. The electoral committee has postponed the vote, with a new date yet to be announced.

Stakeholders have welcomed the new board and expressed optimism that Chief Okowa’s re-election will bring continuity and renewed momentum to Nigerian athletics. The board is expected to build on past achievements and improve preparations for upcoming national and international competitions.