Ogba gets mandate to lead Nigerian athletics federation

Former Delta state commissioner for sports, Solomon Ogba, has been elected as the new president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) at the sports federation elections held today at the National Stadium in Abuja.

Chief Ogba emerged unopposed as AFN president after his main rival - the Benue State Governor - Gabriel Suswan, stepped down at the last minute and nominated him for the position of President.

In his acceptance speech, Ogba, called on all interest groups of the sport, including those who did not support him during his presidential bid to close ranks for the sake of the nation and said there was need for a new vision, order and direction for athletics in Nigeria and he cannot do it alone.

"It has to be a collective determination to progress Nigerian athletics and on my part I’m determined to carry everybody along, because no one tree can make a forest," said Ogba.

"This is a good omen for athletics and sports generally. I thank all those who believed in me and I am going to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in me.

"Athletics has been in my blood for long and I have the opportunity now to serve the country with my knowledge of the sport."

"Before now, we were always the first among African countries at world athletics meet. But we have since lost that position to other nations in the continent. So, it is the primary duty of this new AFN board to ensure a quick return of Nigeria to the summit of athletics in Africa," he added.

Governor Suswan was however made the honorary President of the Federation whilst both Ibrahim Gusau and Dr. Chukwuekere emerged as the 1st Vice-President and the 2nd Vice-President respectively.

The newly elected AFN board will be inaugurated in Abuja on Thursday May 28.