By Oluwatobiloba Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel in Abeokuta
Leaders of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), including President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, paid a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The visit comes as Nigeria prepares to host the CAA U-18/U-20 Championships, a platform for developing future athletics stars.
President Maboum, was accompanied by the President of Asian Athletics, General Dahlan Al Hamad, the Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, and the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Okowa.
The team called on the former number one citizen of the country, to help drive and accelerate the development and reform of the sport of athletics across the continent.
During the visit, Kalcabal explained that, administratively things can be better on the continent, stating that on some occasions, the CAA had to beg for support from the World Athletics (WA).
He stressed that such pleas have reduced the pride of the continent and also stifled the giving of proper considerations to African Athletics.
The Cameroonian born administrator, who first met the Chief Obasanjo when he was in office, made known that the former pretty had been selected to be one of the pillars of their latest initiative, Africa Sports and Culture Development Foundation.
Kalcabal also requested for his consent to be made the Head of the board of trustees of the foundation, emphasize that the foundation will help prepare African athletes for our own interests.
Obasanjo accepted the honour stressing that he is open to any policy that will aid sports and cultural development, endeavours with a very high level of positivity and productivity.
The former military head of state welcomed president Asian Athletics, General Dhalang. Describing the Qatari military commander as a comrade.
He thanked the CAA for bringing the hosting rights to Nigeria and Ogun State in particular. Obasanjo was very vocal in praise for the state. “We have facilities and we have history.”
He went on to add that any friend of Africa is most welcome in the state, adding that they will cooperate, collaborate and partner with CAA. “We will be the best host we can be.”
Kalcabal presented the former President a letter of the corporation and also offered a book authored by a Cameronian Professor as a gift to the presidential library.
