...We will support her, our prayers are with Brume - Chief Tonobok Okowa
By Maxwell Kumoye
“We are with you during this difficult and challenging moment in your life and we shall equally support you to get on the track again as soon as possible.”
These are the words of the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, while reacting on the car accident of one of Africa's finest and most successful women's long jumper Ese Brume.
“We as a Federation were shocked to learn of the car crash that will keep Ese Brume away from the track for some time,” the AFN President said on Friday.
Okowa said, AFN will be keeping a close watch on the recovery process of the four time African champion and Olympic Games bronze medallist.
“Our Performance Director Victor Okorie, will be updating the Federation on her progress and on our part we shall keep the National Sports Commission (NSC), up to speed with her condition, needs and support,” Okowa who is also a Vice President of Confederation of African Athletics CAA stated.
“She's an elite athIetes and a very dependable and dedicated one too, so AFN, the federal government through the National Sports Commission will be there for Ese Brume just as they are already doing for all the athIetes.”
Okowa further emphasized that the AthIetics Federation of Nigeria AFN Annual Congress is scheduled to hold on Saturday in Asaba, and that they will use the occasion to x-ray their welfare package for all categories of Nigeria athIetes home and abroad.
“We will continue to put her in our prayers and urge all other Nigerians, Africans and the rest of the athletics family to pray for Ese Brume to get back on her feet on time for the World Championship and other major competitions ahead for the illustrious daughter of Africa,” the President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Zone II further emphasized.
The four time African long jump champion and Olympics bronze medallist Ese Brume who turns 29 next month says she is fortunate to be alive after a near fatal car crash in America.
The accident left her and traveling companion with injuries.
Brume who suffered a whiplash and a strained ankle said she would be fit for the 2025 World Championship and other events.
The African long jump record holder narrated her ordeal to the Nigeria Guardian Newspaper.
“I was on a journey with my female friend, a Briton, and our car was stuck in the middle of the freeway.
“In the process of calling 911, an SUV hit us from behind and caused a wreck. It was a total wreck. I was at the passenger’s seat,” the multiple African queen said.
She went further to glorify the Almighty God for protecting her life. “I thank God for sparring our lives but I am yet to fully overcome the shock.
“I will return to training as soon as the doctors advise me to do so. I am looking forward to competing in the World Championships and other competitions next year.”
Meanwhile, the National Commission Sports on Wednesday said it has concluded arrangements to support Nigerian sprinter, Ese Brume with the sum of $30,000 to help her sort things.
The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olapade said the Commission is also working out the modalities to determine what each athlete should get as training grant based on their rating and previous performance.
“We are working behind the scene to determine the cadres of how to support the elite athletes with $30,000 each yearly.
“The point is that Ese has started receiving her own training grant which is part of the $30,000 to help her train and it is the same to almost 108 athletes that are potential podium athletes. Some will get $5000, some in Naira for our home based athletes.
“We want to start this strategic approach with arguably the most decorated sports athlete Nigeria has ever had, Ese Brume. Unfortunately, Brume had a ghastly accident but God saved her life with some minor injuries around the ankle. I am very grateful to say that our superstar is alive and she is getting better.
“When I asked her what I can tell the Chairman of the Commission what we can do, she proudly said that all she needs is the support to buy a car from whatever training grant to enable her move around to train and win the world championship. It touched me,” Olopade said.
Olapade further stated that the Commission is working very closely with some good spirited individuals and organizations to raise the funds to support the elite athletes.
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