Former president Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Gusau has formally recognized the Tonobok Okowa-led Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in a letter sent to Congress on Saturday.

 

Although the contents of the letter were not made public, it is believed that all court litigations instituted by Gusau against Okowa’s administration may have been withdrawn.

 

In a Communique released after its deliberations, Congress announced some amendments to the AFN 2017 constitution, which was not stated in the Communique. Still, comments through flash Interviews by members of Congress said a major revision was splitting the AFN President’s powers in calling for a general meeting and during an emergency, provided they form a quorum.

 

In the 2017 constitution, the AFN President has the sole right to call for a meeting of the whole house. But the constitution amendment and reconsilation committee headed by Alias Gora recommended that the clause be altered to include other members of the AFN Board and was adopted by the Congress.

 

Other amendments that Congress upheld also include replacing the current AFN logo with a new one.

Congress also approved the 2023 Federation’s program of activities.

 

A new entrant at the Congress was the Chairman of the Gombe State Athletics Association. Alhaji Dr. Gara Shuaibu Gombe, who it was learned, made starling contributions and was immediately appointed to the AFN road race Committee.

 

The Congress addressed board membership status and tenure extension.

 

At the end of the Congress, members felt more could have been achieved in the aspect of athletes’ welfare, sponsorship drive, and doping and coaches’ training; they, however, concluded that the AFN constitution is still a work in progress.

 

The first AFN Congress was declared open by the AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa, and a closing prayer was made (virtually) by AFN 2nd Vice President Mrs. Rosa Collins.

 

In attendance were the AFN 1st vice president Tafida Gadzama, NOC president Habu Gumel, Alias Gora, FEAD rep. and AAC President cum WA vice president Col. Kalkaba (virtually) among other dignitaries.

 

AFN Scribe Rita Mosindi signed highlights of the Congress Communique.