Sports

NSC Partners NTA Towards Development of Sports Broadcating In Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission received a significant boost recently as the Director General of Nigeria Television Authority, Comrade Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon Bukola Olapade with the view for a collaborative partnership towards the future development of sports broadcasting in Nigeria.

At the meeting held today at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja, the Chairman emphasized the need for collaboration between the NTA and the Commission to reach a wider audience and showcase the talents of Nigerian athletes. He also highlighted the numerous successes achieved by the Commission in recent times, including the impressive performances of Nigerian athletes at international competitions.

The meeting resulted in a fruitful discussion on strategies to promote sports through television and other media platforms. “With the combined efforts and resources of the NTA and the NSC, there is no doubt that Nigerian sports will experience even greater heights”. He said.

The Chairman further explained that as Sports continues to make strides in Nigeria, the NTA will play a vital role in amplifying the efforts of the athletes to a wider audience. Together, he said, they will not only bring glory to the country on the world stage but also unite Nigerians through the power of sports.

Mallam Dikko attests to the fact that the visit by the Director General of Nigeria Television Authority to the Commission, is a clear indication of the commitment of both organizations to work hand in hand for the betterment of sports in Nigeria. “This collaboration will not only increase the visibility of Nigerian sports but it will also inspire a new generation of athletes to strive for excellence”. He said.

Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority Comrade Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, who was warmly received by the NSC leadership, expressed his admiration for the strides that the Commission has made in promoting and developing sports in Nigeria. He acknowledged the important role sports play in bringing unity among Nigerians and creating a positive image for the country on the global stage.

The NTA DG also assured the Commission that they have the equipment and the experience to carry sports further and will not relent in doing so to ensure Nigeria sports is taken to a higher level.

In his remark, the Director General of the Commission , Hon Bukola Olapade expressed his gratitude to the Director for the visit stressing the importance of media coverage in promoting sports in Nigeria, He emphasized the need for the NTA to highlight the achievements and potential of Nigerian athletes to the rest of the world.

The Director General expressed his optimism over the success of the collaboration adding that is a great step towards achieving a more vibrant and successful sports industry in Nigeria.

“We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this collaboration and the promising future of Nigerian sports”. He enthuses.

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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

16 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

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