A former head of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Olamide George, has described “the steep decline of the sport within a few years as shocking.
 
George, who is the chairman of the Ondo State Athletics Association, said in a statement that the current leadership of the federation has failed to lift the sport, which they promised when they assumed office four years ago.
 
He said: “To those who chose to stand behind the current leadership of the AFN, history has a way of recording the choices we make, silently storing them until the weight of time reveals their significance.
 
“Whether out of loyalty, self-interest, or misplaced intentions, the selfish decisions they endorsed four years ago have destroyed the bedrock of our athletics, our athletes, and our nation’s sporting legacy.
 
“Leadership is not just about power or alliances; it is about responsibility, fairness, and the undeniable duty to prioritise the greater good over personal agendas.”
 
George confessed that even though the current AFN leadership would build on a good job his administration started ‘even though the last election was fraught with controversies and illegality.’
 
He added: “I thought that the board would make the athletes its priority as we did in the less than three years we spent in running the Federation.
 
“We made sure we not only provided enough competitions for them but also accommodated them and provided transport subsidy, as well as prize money. In 2020, we were able to do two competitions before COVID-19, and the following shutdown disrupted events worldwide, including sporting activities.
 
“In 2021, we started very early with the all-comers meet in Akure, which I wholly sponsored before the Ondo State government helped to sponsor a second event.
 
“Through these competitions, a large number of our athletes improved on their personal bests, and we were able to get two wholly home-based sprinters to qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo.”

He listed Enoch Adegoke and Grace Nzubechi Nwokocha as the first Nigerian sprinters to train at home and qualify for the Olympics through his board’s development programme.
 
He urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure that only credible, visionary people with visible track records and without criminal records, are allowed to become members of the boards of the various sports federations.

George also urged NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and the commission’s Director General, Bukola Olopade, to implement a robust and transparent vetting process for all those contesting for leadership positions within the AFN.
 
He said the process should include, but not be limited to verification of credentials, assessment of track records, and criminal records.
 
“A thorough review of academic records and qualifications to ensure that candidates possess the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively; a detailed look into their previous roles and professional achievements, highlighting their commitment to excellence and ethical conduct, as well as a look into their private endeavours.
 
“The NSC should also launch an investigation into any connection to doping offenses or drug-related activities, ensuring that no ex-convict or individuals with questionable histories hold positions that demand trust and transparency.
 
“This is not just a procedural formality; it is a moral imperative for safeguarding the credibility of our athletics community. Those with compromised records should not be allowed to take charge of the hopes and dreams of our athletes, whose futures depend on fair and impartial leadership.”