Ahead of the 3rd Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18/U20 Championship, which commences today, 16th July, at the Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been appointed as the chairman Board of Trustees for the African Sports and Culture Development Foundation (ASCDF).
CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum made this announcement during a courtesy visit to the former Nigerian President at his Presidential Library in Abeokuta yesterday.
Accompanying President Malboum on the visit were General Dahlan Al Hamad, President of Asian Athletics; Honourable Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC); and Chief Tonobok Okowa, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
The delegation urged the former Nigerian leader to assist in driving and accelerating the development of athletics across the continent.
Malboum explained that there is significant room for improvement in the administrative practices within the continent, noting that on several occasions, the CAA has had to seek support from World Athletics (WA).
He emphasised that such requests have undermined the continent’s pride and limited serious consideration of African Athletics.
The Cameroonian-born administrator announced that the former President had been selected to be a key figure in their latest initiative, the Africa Sports and Culture Development Foundation, and sought his consent to serve as the Head of the Board of Trustees. He highlighted that the foundation would be instrumental in preparing African athletes for their future pursuits.
Obasanjo graciously accepted the honour, emphasising his openness to any policies that will enhance sports and cultural development, as well as initiatives that promote positivity and productivity.
The former military head of state warmly welcomed General Dahlan Al Hamad, referring to the Qatari military commander as a comrade. He expressed his gratitude to the CAA for awarding Nigeria, particularly Ogun State, the hosting rights. Obasanjo praised the state, stating, “We have facilities and we have history.”
He further remarked that any friend of Africa is most welcome in the state, assuring that they would cooperate, collaborate, and partner with the CAA: “We will be the best hosts we can be.”
Sahelreporters.com reports that Malboum presented the former President with a letter from the organisation and offered a book authored by a Cameroonian professor as a gift to the presidential library.
