AFN, others federation not autonomous – Dare

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development,  Sunday Dare in a clear and unambiguous manner has stated clearly that all the 38 sporting federations in the country including the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is not an  autonomous body but under the sovereignty of the Nigeria nation

Dare stated this on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja during the inauguration of the AFN board members led by Chief Tony Tonobok Okowa said the board is to oversee the affairs of athletics in Nigeria for the next four years.

Dare in an emphatic manner declared that “the laws of Nigeria are clear. AFN is not an exception. In fact, no Federation is autonomous . The government bankrolls all the 38 sporting federations” he stated.

He assured of the Federal Government support of the new board.

The minister said Nigeria will have a sigh of relief as the crisis in the Federation in the last 18 months comes to an end.

He said, “For 18 months we’ve been dealing with the crisis in AFN. I thank the ministry staff for their unwavering commitment and for defending the position of the Federal government of Nigeria during the trying times.

“The Federal government is backing the Okowa’s board. Takes AFN in a new direction globally. We will support you for podium performance.”

He continued, “Let me welcome the Athletic Federation of Nigeria board. The last week has been so busy with elections from your states and but the next two weeks will be the busiest week in our sports calendar because June 29 is the day the window of qualifiers will close down. 

He advised that the board must not fall for the plans set for them to fail.

“The board must avoid pitfalls and must follow the AFN Constitution of 2017 and also follow the Nigeria constitution and carry all stakeholders along. The welfare and support of athletes whether home-based or abroad must be on the front burner.” Dare advised.