Sports

NPFL Club Owners Pay Courtesy Visit to NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko

Published

7 months ago

November 8, 2024

…Says Elite league can drive Nigeria’s sports economy – Says Dikko

The chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko has has stated that the Nigeria’s elite football league has the potential to play pivotal role in Nigeria’s sporting economy.

Dikko made the statement while addressing the NPFL Club Owners delegation that paid him a courtesy visit, on Thursday in Abuja.

“What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy,” Dikko stated, emphasizing that football has the potential to be a powerful driver in realizing this vision.

Dikko, who led the Nigerian Professional Football League as the chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), warmly welcomed the delegation, describing them as “a family” and members of his primary constituency.

Expressing his joy over the visit, Dikko emphasized the importance of unity and shared responsibility for the development of Nigerian sports, particularly the football league.

“Now that we’re in the driver’s seat, we have no excuse anymore not to bring growth,” he stated. “All the plans we’ve discussed over the years on paper —this is the time to take action and make them a reality. We all need to be on deck for the growth of sports in Nigeria.”

“What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy,” he added.

Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu, chairman of the Forum congratulated Shehu Dikko on his well-deserved appointment and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fitting a square peg in a square hole. He adviced that the NSC should prioritize sports infrastructure and grassroots development programs.

Ex commissioner of Sports, Gombe State, Mallam Farouk Yarma expressed appreciation to the NPFL Club Owners, emphasizing that all hands must be on deck for all-encompassing growth in the sports industry.

The club owners’ contingent included prominent figures such as Dr. Okechukwu Kpalakwu (chairman, Rivers United), who serves as the Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners Forum, along with Secretary, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku (chairman, Enugu Rangers).

Other members of the NPFL delegation include:

•   Mr. Habila Hosea Mutla (Vice Chairman, North)
•   Hon. Olaniyan Babatunde (Board Member, South West)
•   Mr. Solomon Babanjah (Chairman, Nasarawa United)
•   Mr. Kumbi Titiloye (Board Member, NPFL)
•   Mr. Bashir Badawir (General Manager, Kwara United)
•   Mr. Dominic Iorfa (Board of Trustee Member)

The visit underscored a renewed commitment to advancing Nigerian sports through strategic initiatives, enhanced governance, and stakeholder collaboration under the NSC’s guidance.

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Basketball

Airwarrior Basketball Club Chairman, Celebrates Sallah with Journalists in Abuja

Published

9 hours ago

June 7, 2025

The Gleamer

The event, filled with camaraderie and appreciation, provided an opportunity for Alhaji Solademi to acknowledge the vital role of the media in national development and the promotion of sports in Nigeria.

In a warm gesture of unity, oneness, togetherness and goodwill, the Chairman of Air Warriors Basketball Club, Abuja, Alhaji Abddulmajid Solademi, hosted a group of Basketball Journalists on Saturday at his residence in celebration of the Sallah festivities in Abuja.

The gathering that shows the importance of love, peace, and unity values which is crucial not just for the advancement of basketball, but for the overall progress of the nation.

However, the Sallah is a time to reflect on our shared humanity,” he said. “It’s a moment to support one another and to uphold the values that bring us together, rather than divide us.”

Guests at the event shared stories, enjoyed meals, Asun Rice, Oriental rice, Jollof Rice, Swallow in variety with a lot of drinks that mede them to engaged in meaningful discussions on the development of sports in Nigeria, with a special focus on grassroots basketball.

Many attendees praised Solademi for his unwavering support for the sporting community and his ongoing commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social transformation.

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