The National Sports Commission (NSC) has rolled out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new vision for the sports sector, aimed at transforming Nigerian sports into a sustainable and thriving sports economy.
This announcement was made during a strategic meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, where NSC leaders met with Presidents and Secretaries of various Sports Federations. The event marked the first official engagement between NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, with sports federation heads following recent reforms in the sports sector.
Mallam Shehu Dikko emphasized the need for collaboration, urging federations to align with the vision of creating a sports sector that contributes significantly to the national economy.
“Sports must go beyond mere participation in tournaments. President Tinubu’s mandate is to build a sustainable sports economy that adds value to the country,” Dikko said.
He outlined the NSC’s three-pronged approach — Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch — to drive this transformation. Central to this plan is the establishment of a National Sports Development Fund and a National Sports Infrastructure Board, aimed at securing financial and infrastructural stability through legislative backing.
Director General Bukola Olopade highlighted the Commission’s commitment to athlete development and governance reforms. He announced the engagement of Mr. Bambo Akani, Founder and CEO of Making of Champions, as a consultant to oversee elite athlete development.
Olopade also revealed plans to establish a training fund for top athletes by February 2025, ensuring financial support well ahead of major competitions. “The days of athletes receiving training grants at competition venues are over,” he affirmed.
The NSC further aims to introduce corporate governance structures in federations, with a focus on appointing marketing-driven Chief Operating Officers (COOs). The Nigeria Rugby Federation was commended for its progress in this regard, having appointed Babatunde Adeluola as its COO.
Olopade announced efforts to integrate Nigeria into the global eSports industry, valued at billions of dollars, with plans to formalize the Federation of eSports as part of the NSC’s long-term vision.
Sports federation leaders welcomed the initiative, with Nigeria Basketball Federation President, Engr. Musa Kida, praising the fresh direction. “This is a breath of fresh air, and as federation presidents, we can already see solutions coming for Nigerian sports,” Kida stated.
The NSC’s renewed focus on collaboration, governance, and economic development aims to redefine Nigeria’s sports sector, transitioning from tournament-based activities to a self-sustaining and impactful industry.
Signed:
Kola Daniel
S.A, Media,
Office of the Director General, NSC
December 10, 2024
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