Sports
Celebrating a Sports Icon at 55: Hearty Cheers to Shehu Dikko, Administrator Par Excellence
By Joel Ajayi
Whenever we embark on a journey, we always hope for an experienced, courageous, and capable driver, pilot, or captain—someone who can navigate turbulence and ensure a safe arrival at the destination.
These exact qualities—ability, experience, and boldness—define the man we are celebrating today: Dr. Henry Mallam Shehu Dikko.
Appointed as Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Malam Dikko has emerged as a key driver of the sports sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since assuming office, Shehu Dikko—a sports administrator par excellence—has wasted no time in deploying his deep expertise, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to the task at hand.
In a short time, he has taken bold and strategic decisions that many would shy away from—moves that are already setting the Nigerian sports sector on a path to transformation.
As the Bible says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Indeed, this moment of reflection comes as Mallam Shehu Dikko marks his 55th birthday on July 5, 2025.
A seasoned technocrat, an accomplished architect, and a visionary leader, Dikko is not only reshaping sports administration but also making significant contributions to Nigeria’s wider economic narrative.
Hailing from Kaduna State, the Chairman’s achievements within less than a year at the helm of the NSC are both remarkable and far-reaching. Chief among them is the rollout of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE)—a bold blueprint to reset, refocus, and relaunch the country’s sports industry.
The RRR model is driving a shift from a purely competition-driven landscape to a more development-oriented and value-based sports ecosystem.
As the drums roll and tributes pour in to celebrate this great man at 55, I join many others in giving 55 hearty cheers to this icon of excellence, wisdom, and transformation. His impact on the Nigerian sports landscape is undeniable, and his legacy is already being written in bold strokes.
Sir, may you enjoy many more fruitful years in service to humanity. Happy Birthday, our Chairman!
55 Cheers to a Sports Administrator Par Excellence!
Sports
Football Fever Hits Abuja as Montage FM 99.7 Launches Maiden Community Tournament November 18
Joel Ajayi
In its determination to foster unity among communities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), identify and promote raw football talent, encourage physical fitness and discipline, and tackle youth restiveness, Montage FM 99.7 Abuja has unveiled plans for the Maiden Edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament.
The highly anticipated grassroots competition, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is set to kick off on November 18, 2025, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
The tournament will feature 24 teams, with four teams representing each Area Council, competing for a cash prize of over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.
However, grand finale scheduled for December 7, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where the top four teams will battle for first, second, and third place honors.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Cordinator of the Tournament Mr. Raphael Ekpang, described the tournament as a significant initiative aimed at using sports as a tool for unity, youth engagement, and talent discovery across the FCT.
According to him, I am honored to stand before you today to announce the upcoming Montage FCT Community Football Tournament a dynamic grassroots inter-community football competition that promises to unite communities and discover hidden talent across the six Area Councils in the FCT,” Ekpang said.
“This tournament is more than just football; it is a celebration of community spirit and youth empowerment. Our long-term goal is to expand beyond football to include other sports like basketball and athletics in future editions.”
Ekpang further noted that registration and awareness campaigns are currently underway across the six Area Councils, urging interested teams and individuals to participate.
“We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and partners who share our vision of promoting sports development and community engagement within the FCT. We also call on other organizations and individuals to join this noble cause,” he added.
The organizers emphasized that the Montage Community Football Tournament aligns with Montage FM 99.7’s mission to promote peace, unity, and positive engagement among youths while strengthening its brand presence as a youth-driven, community-focused platform.
They encouraged the public to follow updates and live coverage of the tournament through Montage FM 99.7 Abuja and its social media platforms
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
