Athletics Heat Meet founder and Chief Executive Officer Ese Oguma has revealed the motivation behind establishing the competition, as the athletics platform celebrates its 10th anniversary in Lagos, last Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Oguma said his passion for athletics and desire to create more competitive opportunities for Nigerian athletes inspired him to launch the event, which has evolved into a platform for recognising talent and celebrating sporting excellence.
Speaking during the 10th anniversary celebration on Saturday in Lagos, he explained that the original idea was to provide athletes with a competitive opportunity ahead of the National Sports Festival.
“I really just wanted to give a platform for athletes to compete before the National Sports Festival. That was why I put this event in November. That was the idea,” he said.
However, Oguma noted that the vision has expanded beyond organising an annual competition to recognising outstanding performances, celebrating athletes and providing greater visibility for Nigerian athletics.
A former athlete himself, Oguma said his personal experience in the sport continues to shape his commitment to creating opportunities for emerging talents and helping Nigerian athletes gain international recognition.
“First of all, I’m an athlete. So my own idea is just to celebrate athletes and put them on the world stage as much as I can,” he added.
The Athletics Heat founder also used the milestone to encourage individuals and organisations with the resources to contribute to sports development, stressing that supporting athletes requires commitment and the right mindset.
He expressed hope that the competition’s decade-long journey would inspire more people to identify opportunities to invest in Nigerian sports and contribute meaningfully to athletes’ development.
Reflecting on the relationship with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Oguma described the federation’s support as encouraging and consistent, identifying its approval of the competition as an important factor in sustaining the event.
“Having this event, first of all, has to be approved by Athletics and also the event. So that alone was a great support for us, and I think that support is consistent,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Oguma called for increased corporate investment in athletics, insisting that Nigerian athletes possess the talent and potential to compete at the highest level but need stronger financial and institutional backing.
“These are great talents that need to be recognised, and we need more money and more corporate sponsors for us, definitely,” he said.
His appeal reinforces the growing conversation around sustainable funding for grassroots and elite athletics in Nigeria, particularly the need to provide athletes with more competitive opportunities, better rewards and pathways to successful sporting careers.
Oguma believes the responsibility for developing athletics should extend beyond government and sports federations, with corporate organisations playing a more active role in supporting the country’s sporting talent.
As Athletics Heat Meet marks 10 years, its founder hopes the platform’s greatest legacy will extend beyond medals, prize money and competition to building a culture that values athletes and encourages sustained investment in Nigerian athletics.
