AFN vice president quits

AFN vice president quits

The second vice president of the Atletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Akuchukwu Aghazu has resigned from the board with immediate effect.

In a letter he personally signed and copied the AFN and the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), who expressed appreciation for the honour to serve said "serving the federation has been both an honour and a responsibility I have carried with deep respect for the history, significance, and future promise of athletics in our nation. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed, in collaboration with fellow Board members and stakeholders, toward attempting to strengthen the structures that support our athletes and the continued growth of the sport."

While acknowledging that athletics occupies a unique place in his life as well in the national identity, unitining the country, inspiring young people, and projecting Nigeria's excellence onto the global stage, added that "throughout my brief tenure, my guiding principle has been to support the long term institutional development of the federation, grounded in good governance, transparency, and collective progress, bearing in mind that the athletes welfare must be the primary focus.

Short of calling for a change of baton in the AFN leadership, Aghazu said "after careful reflection, I believe this moment presents an appropriate opportunity for renewal in leadership perspectives while allowing me to continue contributing to the advancement of sport through other more appropriate and productive avenues of service. 

"This decision is made in the spirit of institutional continuity and with enduring respect for the federation and its core mandate.

"I remain proud of what has been achieved through shared efforts and dialoque, and I am hopeful that the Board will continue to steer the federation toward greater stability, unity and return to steady international success," he said.

In appreciating the support, cooperation, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by some of his colleagues, the athletes, coaches. administrators, and partners throughout his short period of service, he said " I remain ready to support a smooth transition and will always remain an advocate for the advancement of athletics, the athletes, and sport development in Nigeria with my highest regards, prayers, and best wishes for the federation's progress."