By Chidi Ugwu
The Federal Government has named Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi as a member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championship, scheduled to hold from July 16–20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to a release from the National Sports Commission, Atoyebi joins a 15-member committee made up of distinguished professionals tasked with delivering a world-class championship.
A respected journalist and public servant, Atoyebi brings nearly two decades of experience in media, having held editorial roles at The Sun Newspaper, Naij.com, and Premium Times. She also served as Special Assistant to the Minister of State for the FCT and is currently Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Reacting to her appointment, Atoyebi said, “Sports is my passion. At Fame Foundation, I’ve used it as a tool to combat social vices and uplift communities. This appointment is a call to service, and I’m fully committed to ensuring Nigeria delivers one of the best-organised age-grade athletics championships on the continent.”
The LOC will be chaired by Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, with Hon. Wasiu Isiaka as Vice Chairman. Other members include Mr. Osaze Ubueze, Ms. Rosa Collins, Mr. Gadzama Tafiga, Ms. Chichi Nwoko, among others, while Mr. Shagaya Abdulmumeen will serve as Secretary.
The African U18/U20 Athletics Championship is a flagship continental event featuring over 500 athletes from 53 countries. With Abeokuta’s world-class sports infrastructure—bolstered by its successful hosting of the National Sports Festival—Nigeria is poised to stage a memorable edition.
Atoyebi also expressed appreciation to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his strong support of sports development and for creating the platform for Nigeria to shine on the continental stage.
