The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has urged sports officers, federation secretaries-general, and professionals across Nigeria to align with the Commission’s renewed vision aimed at transforming the nation’s sports sector into a vibrant and economically viable industry.
Dikko made the call while declaring open a two-day capacity-building workshop for sports officers, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Themed “Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch the Nigerian Sports Sector for Greater Performance,” the workshop is part of the Commission’s broader initiative to reposition the sports industry under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).
“You are the fundamental key drivers of this vision,” Dikko said. “If you fail to align, the task becomes much more difficult. You are among the most competent, forward-thinking, and valuable assets within the Commission. If we work together, success is guaranteed.”
He emphasised a return to grassroots development as critical for achieving international sporting excellence and urged full implementation of the recently approved “Nigeria First” policy by the Federal Executive Council, which prioritises local capacity and services.
Dikko also revealed ongoing plans to concession key sports facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, and Bauchi to enhance their functionality and performance. He noted that, for the first time, the Commission has a dedicated budget to deliver critical infrastructure needed for optimal performance across the sports value chain.
“We must change the negative narrative about the commission. We aim to create three to four million jobs through sports,” he added, charging federation secretaries-general to push for greater responsiveness and results within their domains.
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In his remarks, NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, encouraged participants to adopt a proactive mindset and function as a united front.
“As stakeholders of this commission, you must be bold, proactive, and never allow yourselves to be intimidated. The commission is fully behind you,” Olopade said.
Also speaking, the Director of the Federation and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), Olumide Bamiduro, highlighted the importance of the workshop in empowering key drivers of Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
“Your diligence and hard work are crucial for the progress of sports in Nigeria. I encourage you to take full advantage of this retreat to implement the commission’s new policies and vision,” Bamiduro said.
Workshop sessions included ‘21st Century High Performance Management Strategies for Podium Success in Sports,’ ‘Mastering Communication Excellence,’ and ‘Remodelling Sports Governance and Development in Nigeria.’
The retreat is expected to serve as a catalyst for repositioning the sports sector as a key contributor to national development and job creation.
