Fatimat Yusuf-Olukoju has been cleared by the Electoral Appeal Committee as the representative of the National Association of Women in Sports on the board of Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the heated and controversial election of the NAWIS representative produced the former quarter-miler Yusuf-Olukoju on the new look AFN board.
However, her election into the AFN board was being challenged and went to the Electoral Appeal Committee for its final verdict, due to eligibility of the winner.
The committee which sat on Wednesday in Abuja, officially cleared Yusuf-Olukoju as the bona-fide NAWIS representative in the AFN board.
She officially accepted her election as the NAWIS representative on the AFN board and pledged to uphold the association’s values and promote inclusivity in her new role.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, the former Nigerian international athlete expressed profound gratitude to the delegates and the leadership of NAWIS for the confidence reposed in her.
“It is with profound humility and deep gratitude that I accept my election by NAWIS to serve on the AFN Board.
“I am truly honoured to have been chosen by the delegates, and I sincerely thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.”
She paid special tribute to the founder of NAWIS, Prof. F. B. Adeyanju, and current President, Prof. M. A. Sulaiman, acknowledging their visionary leadership and inspiration.
“I was just 19 years old in 1990 when she began this inspiring crusade for women in sports.
“Now, at the age of 54, I am proud to be a product of that vision, serving as NAWIS’s representative on the AFN board.”
She commended the National Executive Council of NAWIS, her campaign team led by the association’s National PRO, Funke Kanjuni, and her home chapter in Kogi for their unwavering support.
Recognising the spirit of healthy competition during the elections, she extended respect to her opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze.
“To my opponent, Dr. Nneka – you were a worthy challenger.
“Thank you for demonstrating admirable sportsmanship throughout this process.”
She expressed appreciation to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission as well as the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee for granting NAWIS a seat at the AFN table.
Looking ahead, she outlined her vision of inclusive leadership and collaboration.
“My priority is to foster a culture of collaboration – where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best.
“I believe in the strength of our collective wisdom and the power of our shared commitment to advancing women in sports.
“NAWIS is a mighty umbrella. Let’s continue to expand our base locally and reach out to embrace our sisters in the diaspora. As the saying goes, the more, the merrier.”
She promised to represent NAWIS with integrity and dignity, pledging to make every vote count.
“I promise to uphold the core values and leadership culture of NAWIS as I represent us on the AFN Board.
“I will carry this responsibility with dignity, and I will not let your votes go in vain,” she said.
She called on all stakeholders to continue to support her and the AFN with prayers.
“Please keep me and the AFN in your prayers. God bless Nigeria! God bless NAWIS!,” she said.
NAN reports that the AFN presidential election is scheduled to hold on Thursday in Abuja.
