WED 16 JUNE, 2021-theGBJournal- Delta State Government has congratulated the new President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, on his election and subsequent inauguration.
The government, in a statement by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, in Asaba on Wednesday, commended the AFN delegates for a peaceful poll that had given them a Board to steer the ship of the Federation which had been chequered in the last few years due to crisis.
It urged the new President and his team to reach out to all aggrieved stakeholders to bring back peace to the body in the interest of development of sport in the country.
The government acknowledged that the delegates put premium on Okowa with their votes in recognition of his vast experience in sports development, and called on him to reciprocate the gesture by deploying the wealth of experience to take athletics in the country to a greater level.
It particularly encouraged the new president of the sports body to build on the exploits of Chief Solomon Ogba, a Deltan, who took athletics in the country to superlative heights as president a few years ago.
The state government also lauded the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, for treading the path of wisdom and responsibility in ensuring that peace returned to AFN.
“The government and people of Delta congratulate our illustrious son, Mr Tonobok Okowa, President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, on his successful election and inauguration.
“We are proud of your sterling and enviable accomplishments in sports administration and development and we hope that you will deploy your wealth of experience into the development of Athletics in Nigeria.
“Having led the Delta State Sports Commission since 2015, you have by dint of dedication and hardwork contributed immensely to the winning streak of our dear state in all sports competitions in Nigeria.
“As you savour this hard-earned victory, and deservedly so, we urge you to use your wherewithal to ensure that Team Nigeria performed well at the forthcoming Olympics in Tokyo,” it stated.
Tonobok Okowa, Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission was elected unopposed as AFN President at a delegates’ conference held at MKO Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.
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