By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Coach Michael Monyei on Saturday emerged the Kaduna State chairman of Athletics Coaches Association of Nigeria (ACAN) after defeating Coach John Micah in a keenly contested election at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna.
The election, which was observed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Technical Director, Mr. Samuel Onikeku, Kaduna State Athletics Association (KAA) Vice Chairman, Malam AbdulRazak Usman and KAA PRO, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Aodu, saw Michael Monyei, a former national sprinter, garner 16 votes to beat fellow ex-international and ex- distance runner, Micah John’s 12 votes to become first chairman of the association.
Mr Tokan Ishaya Maiyaki was elected vice chairman unopposed.
The maiden Kaduna State ACAN election conducted by Prof. Ezra Gunen of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Solomon Achi and veteran Coach, Charles Yayock, saw Dele Abubakar score 17 votes to emerge victorious in the contest for the post of secretary, after beating Coach Felix Osiebe who scored 10 votes.
Mr Mark Orduen was elected assistant secretary without any opposition.
Coach Sani Mohammed was elected unopposed as the treasurer, while Coach Innocent Oma was elected financial secretary and Raphael Olorunfemi was returned unopposed as the public relations officer.
Coach Vincent Odey won the quest for welfare officer with 16 votes, beating state sports council coach, Laraba Sule, who scored 12 votes.
Coach Edwin Ochonu was however, elected for the post of chief whip unopposed.
Addressing the coaches, in his acceptance speech after the election, the newly elected chairman, Coach Monyei said the emergence of the exco is a new dawn for the coaches that would usher in a new era for athletics in Kaduna State.
He however, sought the support of all members and other stakeholders in moving athletics in the state to reclaim it’s glory.
