Sports
ACTU Will Play a Key Role in Promoting Integrity in Nigerian Sports – Dikko
By Uche Hillary
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has underscored the critical importance of the newly inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in fostering integrity and ethical practices within the Nigerian sports sector.
Speaking on Monday, 22nd September 2025, during the inauguration and induction ceremony of the NSC’s ACTU in Abuja, Dikko stated that the establishment of the unit marks a major milestone in the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in sports administration.
“Today is a significant milestone in our collective journey towards building a more accountable and transparent sporting environment in Nigeria,” Dikko said. “It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome the dedicated individuals who have accepted the call to serve in the ACTU.”
He stressed that sports are more than games—they are a reflection of national values and a platform for unity and pride. However, with growth comes responsibility. Corruption, mismanagement, and unethical conduct can undermine public trust and the sector’s potential.
“The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit has been established not only to combat corruption but also to promote ethical practices and ensure that the welfare of our athletes, coaches, and officials is consistently prioritized,” he added.
Dikko emphasized that the ACTU is essential to achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sport Economy (RHINSE) under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to reposition sports as a profit-driven industry through institutional reforms, grassroots development, and private sector partnerships.
“Realizing this vision requires the trust and confidence of stakeholders and investors. That trust will only be earned through a culture of transparency and accountability—values which ACTU is strategically positioned to uphold.”
Addressing the newly inducted ACTU members, the Chairman said: “You are the vanguards of integrity in this Commission. The roles you occupy are not symbolic—they come with real responsibility. You have the power to effect change, inspire trust, and uphold the standards expected of a modern public institution.”
He urged the Unit to investigate irregularities without fear or favour, to uphold due process, and to work collaboratively with Management and other stakeholders to implement systems that prevent corruption from taking root.
“The fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. The ACTU cannot succeed in isolation—it requires the support and cooperation of Management, staff, and all relevant stakeholders.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Director of Systems Study and Review Department, Mr. Olusegun Adigun, reaffirmed the Commission’s support for the ACTU and the broader mission of instilling integrity in public service.
Dr. Aliyu commended the leadership of the NSC for embracing the ACTU initiative, describing it as a progressive and strategic move aligned with national efforts to institutionalize anti-corruption frameworks across government institutions.
Dr. Aliyu stressed that the ACTU is not a parallel authority but a complementary structure under the supervision of the Director General. He called on NSC Management to provide the Unit with adequate resources, an enabling environment, and representation in key decision-making committees, as stipulated in Government Circular Ref: OHCSF/SPSO/CSTD/314/T2/61 dated 5th October, 2016.
The inauguration of the ACTU at the National Sports Commission is a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to transparency and good governance. With the leadership of NSC and the support of ICPC, the Unit is well-positioned to become a model of ethical compliance in Nigeria’s public service.
As the nation continues to reposition sports as a driver of unity, economic growth, and national pride, stakeholders agree that integrity must remain the foundation upon which this vision is built.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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