The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of Athletic Heat, Mr. Ese Oguma, on the organisation’s 10th anniversary, recognising its contributions to the development and promotion of athletics in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
Okowa described Oguma as a visionary and passionate sports advocate who has continued to give back to the sport that played a significant role in his career as a former athlete.
The AFN President also acknowledged Athletic Heat as a strategic partner of the federation, particularly in documenting, celebrating and promoting the achievements and journeys of Nigerian and African athletes on the global stage.
According to Okowa, the work of Oguma and his team aligns with the current AFN board’s commitment to creating platforms that support young athletes, encourage development and showcase the progress of Nigerian athletes competing both at home and internationally.
“Athletic Heat has followed us around the globe this year at major competitions, bringing home through the media the progress, beautiful stories and journeys of our athletes. Thank you,” Okowa stated.
The AFN President, who also serves as Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and President of CAA Region II, further commended Athletic Heat for organising its One-Day Athletics Meet at the YabaTech Sports Complex, Lagos, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 10th anniversary.
“First, let me congratulate the CEO of Athletic Heat, my dear brother, Ese Oguma, for this feat. This is one good way to give back to the sport as a former runner himself. I recall he competed in the 200m and 400m years back.
“Thank you for the partnership with the AFN. That’s the way to go. You are a worthy Nigerian ambassador and an ambassador of track and field.
“The One-Day Athletics Meet in Lagos has added to our athletics calendar in the outgoing year, 2026, and it is a great platform for our athletes to shape up ahead of the National Sports Festival holding in Enugu later this month.
“On behalf of the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, I wish to congratulate Mr. Ese Oguma and the entire Athletic Heat crew for your remarkable achievements over the past ten years. I wish you many more years of greater accomplishments,” Okowa concluded.
The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will bring together athletes, coaches, sports administrators and stakeholders for a celebration of athletics, while providing competitors with an opportunity to test their readiness ahead of upcoming national competitions.
Signed:
Dr. Kola Oredipe
AFN Media Coordinator
November 6, 2026