The Southwest Athletics Conference, hosted by Ogun State, has brought together key stakeholders in the athletics community to chart a new course for the development of the sport in the region. The event was held on Thursday, July 4th with the AA Lagos chairman, Dr. Solomon Alao serving as convener and multiple Olympic medalist, Mr Enefiok Udo-Obong as secretary, the conference was a crucial step towards establishing a comprehensive blueprint that will guide the progress of athletics in the Southwest over the next four years.
Speaking with Coach Adebote Olalekan, who represented the Ogun state chairman, Chief Gbenga Abuja, he buttressed what the aim of the conference was, “The primary goal of this conference was to create a robust framework that mirrors the successful models seen in the USA, where competitions are structured from conferences to nationals. This initiative is aimed at significantly enhancing the level of competition, providing athletes with better opportunities to achieve personal bests, and fostering a more competitive environment.”
Key focus areas of the blueprint include:
- Increased Competitions: Developing a schedule that ensures athletes have regular and high-quality competitive opportunities, similar to the collegiate systems in the USA.
- Enhanced Media Presence: Boosting the visibility of athletics through comprehensive media coverage, ensuring that athletes and events receive the attention they deserve.
- Better Athlete Control: Implementing systems to manage and support athletes more effectively, ensuring their well-being and optimal performance.
- Improved Stipends and Incentives: Offering competitive stipends and financial incentives to encourage athletes to remain in Nigeria and pursue their careers locally, thus providing them with viable alternatives to going pro abroad.
This conference is not just a planning session but a brainstorming hub where innovative ideas are exchanged to foster the growth and development of athletics in the region. The collective effort is aimed at creating an environment where athletes can thrive and excel, setting new standards for the sport in Nigeria.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has shown its unwavering support for this initiative by donating 1 million Naira to aid in the development of this comprehensive blueprint. This generous contribution underscores the importance of the conference and the commitment to the advancement of athletics in the Southwest.
Coach Olalekan ended by saying, “As we embark on this journey, we are confident that the strategies and plans developed during this conference will lay a solid foundation for the future of athletics in the Southwest, inspiring the next generation of athletes to reach new heights and achieve their dreams.”
