By Amaechi Agbo
The President of the Confederation of African Athletics, CAA, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, has expressed strong gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its hosting capacity to stage the 3rd edition of the African U18/U20 Championship in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The President stated this in his remarks at the Confederation of African Athletics council meeting held in Abeokuta on Sunday.
The CAA Boss praised Nigeria as the biggest economy and a power house on the continent which was the reason the CAA turned to Nigeria when there was the setback of the withdrawal of the former host, Algeria.
“I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the highest authorities of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly to His Excellency Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of State for having authorized the organization of our championships and our meetings here in Nigeria”.
“ Permit me also to extend my recognition to Honorable Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State for putting at the disposal of African young athletes the sports facilities that could allow them to compete in a very efficient environment”.
“ Let me thank Mr. Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission for the valuable initiative that he took to allow Nigeria to host the youth of Africa.
“Our thanks also go to Honorable Bukola Olapade, the President of the Local Organizing Committee and to Mr. Tonobok Okowa, the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria for their strong commitment to organize a successful event.
“We all know that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and one of the leading countries in the continent. This is the reason behind the decision of our CAA Council to make a request to Nigeria to host these events in Abeokuta immediately after the withdrawal of Algeria for reasons beyond our control. It was a great opportunity for our young athletes and leaders of our sports in Africa, to experience the hosting capacity of Nigeria and specifically the Ogun State.”
The CAA President however assured that they are committed to ensuring the consistent organisation of the African junior championships so as to prevent the continent from further losing it’s athletes to Developed Countries.
“ In fact, the phenomenon of the change of nationality of our athletes in favor of developed countries is bleeding Africa of its best talents in athletics with a negative impact in the development of sports in general and athletics in particular in our continent.
“Therefore, the CAA is resolutely determined to regularly organize its U18 and U20 Championships to give the opportunity to our young athletes to express their talent, and by so doing, we will be able to produce new talents for the benefit of our continent”, he added.
The 3rd edition of the CAA African U18/U20 Championship will hold from the 16-20 of July 2025, at the new look MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun state where more than 40 African are scheduled to participate.
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