Sports
SPORTS IS RESULT OREINTING NOT A TOOL FOR DESTRUCTION AND EGO

FELLY MAMMAH N.
It is no longer news that the Chairman of the newly transformed National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko has assumed duty at the Commission. Dikko, a well known sports administrator has exhumed confidence, fearlessness and hope of fulfillment without the fear of the unknown expectations that may occur. Unlike what was hitherto the practice, his presence in office has been without the noisy sirens, but with large crowd of jolly good fellows that desire to continue with him in his successful part ways.
President Bola Tinubu may streamlined the security entitlements of ministers with 3 vehicles to aid their movements, but surprisingly, Dikko is different in this regard as he does not seem to be moved with power neither is he security conscious. He looks a man that believes in the genuineness of intellectuals and has exhibited a true characteristic of a typical northerner who believes in divine protection of his life and divine will for him.
Both his arrival and departure from the office so far have been without notification because that power intoxication with security alarm seems not to be a priority to the expectations in his assigned responsibility in the Commission.
From press interactions and interviews he has granted since assumption of duty, he has been highlighting his cardinal focal points which includes merging all sports even though he is grounded in football sector.
Among his priorities also, is how to raise the GDP of the country’s economy through sports and most importantly, build sporting infrastructures that people can utilize at will. His being a businessman and selflessness in nature, makes his vision very clear and visible. History has it that first in his thought has always been what he will give to his country and people. How to impact people’s lives and develop them, adds colour to his administration and this classifies him among divine chosen ones with mission of leadership, and above all discovering result oriented system.
However, his contribution in data presentation on how sports policies can be driven to actualize success could be said to be one of the main reasons he was selected among his equals by President Bola Tinubu to bring his wealth of experience to develop the sports sector.
The Chairman, notwithstanding is highly grounded in the area of football and has spread his tentacles in the different bodies of the football associations. Having worked in a domain where events are calculated earlier before execution, timely, with work force readily available and accessibly, he may be faced with the challenge of too much bureaucracy, backwardness, waste of time, excuses for failure, having inherited staff from the defunct Ministry of Sports Development.
His expectations of being ahead of events may also, be frustrated by delay of movement of files for attention due to interests as it was in the defunct ministry. I wish to however, draw the attention of the Honourable Chairman to the need to dialogue with his heads of departments to enable him understand some of their ideas so that they will reflect sporting activities in this present digital world.
Part of my plea to the Chairman is for him to have a data structure of his staff with particular interest on their job schedules and date of exit from service. This is important because in most cases, staff have been incapacitated and not able to deliver due to lack of working equipments.
Most times the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and some federations have had to borrow the least tools to enhance the athletes training. Some Secretary Generals in the Federatio’s would rather channel their focus to advantageous international trips than insist on the provision of working tools.
The credibility of who represents the federation should also, be part of his priority as credible persons will thus be his focal lens on the performance of the athletes both globally and locally. Some of the retired qualified directors can as well be made relevant to strengthen the system more so as some good professionals will someday be exiting service.
Alhaji Shehu Dikko is properly placed in global sports and understands the politics. He has touched and parted with all currencies and being a businessman that has passion for sports with human face, he wants to involve strong hands in his administration despite tribe and religion but cognizance of the fact that a man who places God first, will have his guidance and direction.
The scriptures tell us all that God blesses the work of man’s hand and at the same time we are reminded that there is no food for a lazy man in this new era of National Sports Commission.
FELLY MAMMAH N.
PRESS – NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION
Sports
No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Joel Ajayi
The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.
With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.
Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.
The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.
In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.
While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.
Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.
This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.
Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?
Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.
She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.
Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.
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