By Andrew Abah
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports, crediting the renewed energy and direction in the sector to the visionary leadership of Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Since assuming office, the duo have turned the tide, ensuring accountability, transparency and world-class standards that align seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Their leadership prowess has been at the heart of the Commission’s transformation, setting a new benchmark in sports administration.
Mallam Dikko and Hon. Olopade have provided the operational edge that has translated vision into reality.
The podium board initiative bolstered under this administration has paid off tremendously. By ensuring cost-effectiveness and timeliness in athletes’ preparation, the NSC has been able to deliver on its promises. For the first time in years, all athletes have received their training grants promptly, creating a culture of trust and commitment between the Commission and its sportsmen and women.
In a statement on Saturday, Hon. Olopade explained that the bidding process for the 2028 National Sports Festival has already begun, marking a clear departure from past practices where the process was delayed, leading to procedural errors. This bold move reflects a new era of transparency and merit, where hosting rights are earned through competitive processes rather than arbitrary decisions.
The new leadership has opened a new vista for all sports to thrive. 44 sports National teams have participated in international competitions, with only two being unsuccessful.
The institutionalization of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative is another major reform. Through this programme, the best performers from the last National Youth Games have seamlessly graduated to represent Nigeria at major international competitions such as the Confederation of African Athletics Championships and the inaugural School Sports Games that took place in Algeria.
This continuity has created a structured pathway for talent development and ensured that Nigeria’s brightest prospects are nurtured to their full potential.
The NSC under the leadership of Mallam Dikko and Hon. Olopade has also unlocked unprecedented private sector support. Over ₦10 billion have already been raised from corporate partners to support programs and competitions, easing the burden on government while providing the resources athletes need to excel locally and internationally.
In less than nine months, Nigeria has hosted no fewer than five international events, including the West African Traditional Wrestling Championship in Abuja, the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships, an international training programme for gymnastics coaches, the Africa Cadet Taekwondo and Karate Championships, and the Para Table Tennis Championship in Lagos. Preparations are also underway to host the West Africa Para International Tournament in Abeokuta.
Reflecting on these achievements, Hon. Olopade stated: “What we are witnessing today is a new dawn for Nigerian sports. “There is deliberate planning, focused execution, and tangible outcomes. We want to build a system that will outlive individuals and place Nigeria permanently on the global sporting map.”
Together, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade has shown that with clarity of vision, transparency in governance, and commitment to excellence, Nigerian sports can achieve greatness.
Their leadership embodies President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for Renewed Hope, ensuring that athletes are empowered with the tools, resources and opportunities to shine on the world stage.
The NSC DG reassured that the Commission will continue to deepen reforms, strengthen federations and provide support to athletes, coaches and administrators as the country marches confidently towards a new era of sporting glory.
