By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated the boards of four national sports federations, charging the new members to demonstrate diligence, accountability and commitment to the development of their respective sports.
The inauguration took place on Thursday in Abuja, with the newly inaugurated boards expected to provide effective leadership, strengthen the administration of their federations and create an enabling environment for athletes to excel at national and international competitions.
The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged the board members to regard their appointments as a call to service and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
“These appointments come with a responsibility to serve diligently, uphold the highest standards of accountability and put the interests of our athletes and Nigerian sports first.”
“We expect the new boards to work as a team, develop clear priorities and deliver measurable progress in their respective sports. Our goal is to build stronger federations that can nurture talent, compete successfully and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports,” Hon. Olopade said.
He emphasised that effective federation administration remains essential to identifying and nurturing talent, improving competitiveness and ensuring that Nigeria continues to make progress across different sporting disciplines.
The four federations whose boards were inaugurated are the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation, Nigeria Padel Federation and Nigeria Fencing Federation. Presidents, secretaries and members were duly inaugurated to begin their service.
Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha was inaugurated as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, with Rita Mosindi serving as Secretary General.
Engr. Samuel Olatunji Jackson was inaugurated as President of the Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation, alongside Ms. Dorathy Okpo Benard as Secretary-General.
At the Nigeria Padel Federation, Rt. Hon. Jimi Benson was inaugurated as President, while Israel Inwang was named Secretary-General.
Mr. Adeyinka Samuel will lead the Nigeria Fencing Federation as President, with Javan Bernard serving as Secretary General.
The federations oversee sports with significant opportunities for growth and international participation.
The Commission charged the new boards to build on the existing foundations of their respective federations, strengthen grassroots participation, improve athlete development and enhance Nigeria’s representation at regional, continental and global competitions.
