A former head of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Honourable Olamide George says the sport sunk to its lowest ebb in the last four years.
The Ondo State Athletics Association Chairman said in a statement that Tonobok Okowa is presiding over the worst AFN.
“Leadership is not just about power or alliances; it is about responsibility, fairness, and the undeniable duty to prioritize the greater good over personal agendas,” George said in the statement.
The former lawmaker from Akure in Ondo State said he thought Okowa would build on the good job his administration started.
‘To those who chose to stand behind Okowa in the leadership of the AFN, history has a way of recording the choices we make, silently storing them until the weight of time reveals their significance.
“Whether out of loyalty, self-interest, or misplaced intentions, the decisions they endorsed four years ago has destroyed the bedrock of our athletics, our athletes, and our nation’s sporting legacy,” he said.
“I thought Okowa would make the athletes his and his board’s priority like we did in the less than three years we spent in running the Federation.
“We made sure we not only provided enough competitions for them but also accommodated them and provided transport subsidy as well as prize money. In 2020, we were able to do two competitions before Covid-19, and the following shutdown disrupted events worldwide, including sporting activities.”
The former AFN chief has called on the National Sports Commission to ensure only credible, visionary people with visible track record and without any criminal records is allowed to move near the AFN and indeed all the Sports Federations.
He has thus urged Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission, to implement a robust and transparent vetting process for all those contesting for leadership positions within the AFN.
He said the process should include, but not limited to verification of credentials, assessment of track records, and criminal records.
He says history has shown time and again that sports federations thrive under strong and ethical governance and that anything short of this risks discrediting not only the AFN.
but also the entire Nigerian sporting ecosystem in the eyes of the world.
“We, as stakeholders, are counting on your diligence and fairness to ensure that only those of impeccable character, dedication, and competence are entrusted with such crucial leadership roles.”