‘Our athletes, our future champions, are counting on us to provide them with the unity and support they need to excel,’ Israel Inwang, new AFN Secretary General, calls for unity and peace

Israel Inwang, the new Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Secretary General has called on stakeholders in the sport to embrace peace and unity towards as he resumes as the chief administrative and financial officer of the federation.

Inwang replaced Rita Mosindi as AFN Secretary General after the National Sports Commission reassigned Secretary-Generals and Sports Officers to reposition National Sports Federations.

Mrs Mosindi’s era as Secretary General was replete with allegations of misappropriation and misapplication of funds, of impunity, negligence and incompetence as she was indicted by two Committees set up to look into the books and conduct of the AFN under her financial and administrative leadership.

Why the AFN Audit Committee recommended she should be removed as AFN Secretary General and asked to refund monies she spent without approval, the John Enoh Ministerial Investigative Committee headed by Dr Mumini Alao also recommended she should be punished for her negligence that, among other reasons, led to the non-registration of Favour Ofili for the 100m event of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Mosindi’s actions and that of the leadership of the AFN who acts like a sole administrators caused a big division in the AFN but Inwang is calling on stakeholders to come together and work as one as the athletes, the primary reason for the existence of the federation cannot thrive in an atmosphere of chaos.

In a letter to stakeholders made available to Sportsnow.com.ng, Inwang, once an assistant Secretary General at the AFN, says the time to come together is now.

‘Dear distinguished stakeholders of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,

‘I stand before you today deeply moved by the warmth and encouragement of your congratulatory messages.

‘Your faith in me is not just a source of pride but a profound responsibility that I carry with humility and hope.

‘In recent times, our Federation has faced challenges that have tested our unity and our strength as a family. But let us remember this: a family may disagree, but it always finds its way back to love, forgiveness, and unity.

‘We are one big family, united by our shared passion for athletics and our commitment to Nigeria’s greatness.

‘It is time to let go of the past—time to forgive, to heal, and to rebuild. I urge each of us, regardless of affiliations or perspectives, to embrace peace and work together as one.

‘Our athletes, our future champions, are counting on us to provide them with the unity and support they need to excel.

‘Let us replace division with collaboration, conflict with peace, and mistrust with understanding. Together, let’s rebuild, reform, and revive an Athletics Federation that doesn’t just survive but thrives—one that becomes the pride of Nigeria and sets the pace for Africa and the world.

‘Unity is our strength. Peace is our foundation. Forgiveness is our bridge to a brighter future. Let us take the first step, hand in hand, as one family, ready to write a new chapter for Nigerian athletics.

‘The time to act is now. The athletes are ready. The world is watching. Let us lead together. Thank you, and may God bless AFN, NSC, and our beloved Nation.’