Nigeria Unveils LOC Crack Team for CAA U-18/U-20 Athletics Championships in Abeokuta
By IDNN Athletics Bureau
ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — June 15, 2025
With just one month to go before Abeokuta plays host to the 2025 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18/U-20 Championships, Nigeria’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) has officially unveiled a robust, expert-driven operational structure for the five-day continental event scheduled to hold from July 16 to 20.
The LOC, chaired by Hon. Bukola Olopade—who doubles as the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC)—revealed the various sub-committees tasked with steering the championship to success. The lineup includes Olympians, security professionals, media strategists, and protocol experts, all charged with ensuring a seamless, safe, and globally respected event.
“Despite the time constraints, we are fully committed to delivering a championship that all of Africa will be proud of,” said Olopade during the committee rollout. “Every sub-committee is headed by a professional with a clear track record of delivery.”
🔧 Committees That Will Shape the Games
From logistics to entertainment, the LOC has left no stone unturned:
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Technical Committee: Headed by Olympic gold medalist Enefiok Udo-Obong, supported by experts like Olawale Olatunji, Lekan Soetan, and Tosin Solademi.
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Accommodation Committee: Led by Musa Amadu, with Tunde Aderibigbe and Femi Jaiyesimi among members.
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Security Committee: Chaired by Olympian Fidelis Gadzama, with military and paramilitary experts including Col. Abbas Mohammed and Dare Esan.
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Media & Publicity: Fronted by respected sports editor Gowon Akpodonor, featuring a dynamic team of journalists and PR pros including Kola Daniel, Ben Efe, Suleiman Adebayo, and Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi.
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Protocols & Ceremonies: Spearheaded by Rosa Collins (former triple jumper) and Arabirin Atoyebi respectively, with experienced protocol officers and entertainers onboard.
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Marketing & Branding: Led by Chichi Nwoko and co-chair Osaze Ebueku, including top-tier creative strategists like Tendai Ruckwava and Seun Harper.
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Other strategic arms include Feeding, Transport, Medical, Finance, Volunteer Coordination, Anti-Doping, and Facilities Management, with cross-sector collaboration.
🎯 High Stakes, High Expectations
The Abeokuta championships will bring together Africa’s brightest young athletic talents, offering them a platform not just to compete, but to qualify for global competitions and gain vital exposure ahead of the 2026 World Junior Athletics circuit.
Ogun State’s strategic positioning, robust hospitality infrastructure, and newly upgraded facilities have already drawn applause from visiting CAA scouts. Stakeholders hope this event will restore Nigeria’s image as a hub for elite continental sports hosting.
“The entire sports architecture is being mobilized,” said LOC rep and former NSC director Dr. Ademola Are. “We are not just hosting a meet—we are building a legacy.”
