By Bolaji Okunola
Former quarter miler Enefiok Udo-Obong has been appointed Technical Director of Saudi Athletic Development Programme.
Udo-Obong, who until this appointment was the technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association [LSAA], will be leading the Saudi Arabia Team to the Olympic Games starting from the 26th of July.
At the reception/ sendforth organised by the Lagos State Athletics Association (LSAA) in Lagos on Thursday, July 11, 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist stated that he won’t relent in his bid to inspire Saudi to greater heights in the game of athletics.
He however vowed to showcase enviable legacy in his new office.
‘I’ve been known to show great legacy everywhere I’ve worked and I won’t relent in doing that to my new employee who found me worthy of leading their athletes to the forthcoming Olympics.
‘I never knew I could beat other high profile administrators to this post but I thank God for his infinite mercy. I’m a principled man and my principles have taken me to places and I’ll love to you all to keep supporting me like never before in my new office,’ he stated.
In his remarks Chairman, LSAA, Solomon Alao, applauded Udo-Obong for his perseverance and knowledge which has helped promote the image of the association.
Alao who was represented by Dr Modupe Ogunbanjo, a board of LSAA used the occasion to announce Mr Billy Disu as Interim technical director billed to serve as successor to the legendary athlete.
‘We’re glad to announced the appointment of Udo-Obong as the advisor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Athletics team to the Paris Olympics 2024. He will also be staying on as the Technical Advisor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Athletics Development program after the Olympics.’
‘The association is very excited at his personal achievement which is a testament to his growing stature as a World Athletics Certified Trainer of international repute and the opportunities it portends for Lagos athletes and coaches.He has been the brain behind the many lofty developmental programs in Lagos State for the past three years.
‘With his guidance the Lagos Athletics Association hosted more competitions than any other body across the nation, and was directly responsible via her competitions, especially the Deji Tinubu Lagos series, for over 50 athletes getting scholarships to the USA.
‘He continues to give energy to many great ideas and initiatives, and going by what we have been able to achieve with him in Lagos in a short space of time, we can hardly wait to benefit from his sure prowess on the International scene. Enefiok will continue to support the Lagos Athletics Association as Technical Advisor, whilst Mr Billy Disu will act in the interim as Technical Director.’ he stated.