Project consultant and co-chairman of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Itiako Ikpokpo, has said that he is open to working with the board of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria if the conditions are right.
Ikpokpo, lost 4-2 to Gabriel Okon in the election held on Monday in Benin to decide the zone’s representative on the AFN board.
He also congratulated Okon and said he would continue to support the development of athletics and other sports in the zone and Nigeria.
He noted that the election was not a do-or-die affair as those who got to be on the board were expected to chart a course for the development of sports in the country.
He noted that his time to serve on the board would come, noting that as a first-time contestant, the experience he has garnered would help him prepare for subsequent elections.
Ikpokpo said, “I can serve the AFN in any capacity despite losing this election. If the AFN gets the right leadership and the conditions are right, I can surely serve.
However, Okon noted that his victory was for the zone as there was no victor or vanquished, noting that he is ready to work with all stakeholders in the zone to develop sports.
He noted that the grassroots would be targeted to help develop athletics in the South South and the country, while commending the delegates and his opponent for their great conduct at the election.
Electoral officer, Braveman Wodi, declared Okon the winner, while Oredipe Kolawole from Bayelsa withdrew a few hours before the election.
