Sports

Dikko Commends Ogun, Calls for Higher Standards in Sports Hosting

Published

1 year ago

May 26, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has commended Ogun State for its exceptional hosting of the ongoing National Sports Festival, describing it as a transformative moment for sports development in Nigeria.

He urged other states aspiring to host future editions to emulate and surpass the standards set by Ogun.

Speaking during a World Media Chat at the Local Organizing Committee Secretariat, Dikko praised the impressive organization and swift resolution of challenges during the festival.

“This festival represents a significant improvement over previous editions,” he said. “While it’s normal to encounter challenges in events of this scale, the prompt and effective handling of such issues demonstrates true commitment. This edition will now serve as a benchmark for future games.”

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Dikko reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment, in line with the President’s directive, to transforming sports into a viable economic sector.
“We are building a sports economy—beyond the competitions, we are focusing on job creation, value chains, and revenue generation. Ogun’s example is already inspiring other states to step up and host future events,” he explained.
He revealed plans by the NSC to establish a fixed national sports calendar, designating November and December as official months for the National Sports Festival. He also disclosed ongoing efforts to attract private sector sponsorship through a sustainable strategy.
Highlighting the President’s emphasis on grassroots development, Dikko praised the inclusion of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) at the festival.
“The IJA initiative excites us because it reflects the future. These young athletes, selected from youth competitions, are being nurtured to become tomorrow’s champions,” he noted.
He added that the junior athletes, along with selected elite athletes, will represent Nigeria at the upcoming African Youth Games. Currently, 65 athletes are benefitting from the “Adopt-An-Athlete” program, which is funded by the private sector and managed by the Elite Athletes Development Podium Committee.
Dikko also announced a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education to revive school sports nationwide. The plan includes introducing sports programs in primary and unity schools across all local government areas, and establishing “universities of excellence” in each geopolitical zone to support student-athletes.
On sports governance, Dikko vowed that only credible and committed individuals will be allowed to lead sports federations.
“We will no longer tolerate underperforming federation presidents who contribute little or nothing to sports development,” he stated.
He applauded the federal government for approving a budget for preparations toward the Olympic and Commonwealth Games—an unprecedented move in Nigeria’s sporting history. He emphasized that available resources will be focused on sports where Nigeria has a competitive advantage.
Dikko concluded by expressing appreciation to the media for their balanced coverage and announced plans to enhance media facilities at future festivals. He also revealed ongoing efforts to launch a dedicated private sports channel and expand the Commission’s YouTube presence to improve visibility and coverage.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, acknowledged media concerns but assured that proactive measures were taken to address

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Sports

Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman

Published

18 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.

Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.

Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.

He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.

Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.

The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.

He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.

Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.

He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.

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