Newly elected fourth vice president of the African Karate Federation (UFAK), Hon. Silas Agara, has pledged to dedicate his new role to the growth and development of karate in Africa. He stated his intention to collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), to bolster grassroots karate and implement impactful, well-aligned programmes.
Agara made this commitment following his election on Wednesday evening in Abuja. He remarked, “We have always maintained a collaborative relationship with the Sports Commission. We do not run programmes in isolation; we align with national development priorities. With their continued support, we can elevate the standard of karate and other sports in Nigeria.”
“This is a victory for Nigeria, for West Africa, and for all karate practitioners in the region. It is a call to action—to do more, to support the development of the sport, and to create more opportunities for our youth through karate,” Agara added.
As the president of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Agara noted that his accomplishments in Nigeria were pivotal in securing the voters’ confidence that led to his election over his Congolese opponent, Mr. Freddy Kombo. Agara triumphed in a closely contested election, winning 20 votes to 11.
“I simply presented what we have accomplished back home—our efforts, programmes, and results—and trusted the delegates to make their decision. I’m pleased they recognised our work and bestowed this honour upon Nigeria,” Agara stated.
In regard to the ongoing African Karate Championship in Abuja, Agara expressed confidence that the event is poised to deliver an impressive continental showcase. He praised the stiff competition from countries such as Morocco and Egypt, who have arrived well-prepared.
“Morocco is represented by ten top-ranked athletes, and Egypt has five. The level of competition is world-class—there are no underdogs. This is a defining moment for the growth of sports in Africa,” Agara commented.
A total of 1,000 athletes across cadet, junior, and senior divisions are expected to compete for honours. Beyond the medals, the championships will serve as the final qualifier for the world stage in Cairo. Therefore, athletes will not only compete for titles but also for the opportunity to represent Africa on a global scale.
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