Speaking shortly after the inauguration of the boards of the sports federations in Abuja, the athletics federation president said the emergence of the new board is the dawn of a new era for the athletes.
He said that unlike what used to happen in the past, athletes who want to win laurels for the country would be given all they support they need to excel because without them, there would be no athletics federation.
“For Nigerian athletes, the good days are here. This is a new dawn for all of them. With what we are going to provide for them, they will have no option than to perform optimally” he assured.
Asked how soon the changes will begin to manifest, Ogba said that it won’t take time because there are clear cut short and long term plans which are geared providing the necessary support to the athletes.
The AFN president noted that the sharp decline in Nigerian athletics is not peculiar to the sport as he said that all sectors of the country have witnessed similar degeneration.
Ogba therefore said the new athletics federation is out to stem such tide and sooner than later, the much talked about changes would begin to manifest.
Meanwhile, the athletics federation has announced readiness to host the 2009 Abuja grand Prix and other national competitions.
Media Officer of the federation Mr. Duro Ikhazuaga announced that the sports federation fixed July 17 as date for the 2009 Abuja grand prix while the Ladi Lawal classic has been slated for June 26 at the University of Lagos Track, the Nkoyi Ibori Classic has been slated for July 11 at the Oghra Township stadium, another national athletics championship has been arranged for July 23-25 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
