The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has strengthened its Executive Board following the successful completion of the South East and North West zonal elections on Wednesday at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Overseen by Honourable Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the elections saw Mr. Festus Okorie secure the South East ticket with a unanimous 4–0 vote, while Abubakar Ladan Zurmi clinched the North West position with a convincing 5–1 victory over Honourable Sunday Adeleye of Kaduna State.

Speaking after the elections, the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, commended the process for its transparency and credibility.

“Athletics is one of our major sports, and it is therefore very important to get it right with the election processes because that will be the foundation of everything that will be achieved in the next four years,” he stated.

“The success of the Commission is tied to how well our federations perform, as it is through them that we are implementing the Renewed Hope Sports Mandate that Mr. President has entrusted to us. The AFN is one federation we cannot afford toy with.”

He further urged unity and collaboration within the athletics community.

“We know everybody cannot be on the board at the same time, but we all belong to the same sports family, working for the overall interest of Nigerian sports. We therefore appeal to every stakeholder to seek peace and reconciliation at all times, to de-escalate tensions—especially concerning election matters,” he concluded.

Dr (mrs) Kehinde Ajayi FCAI, ANIPR, Director Press,

National Sports Commission, NSC.

June 11, 2025.