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FG’s Support for Athletes Is a Strategic Move for National Sports Growth — Shehu Dikko

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By Joel Ajayi


The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has explained that the generous rewards recently given to Nigerian athletes by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are part of a strategic effort to build a sustainable and prosperous future for sports in Nigeria.


Mallam Dikko made this known on Tuesday at the Nest Resource Centre in Abuja, where he served as the Guest of Honour at an event organized by the National Youth Leader of All Progressive Congress APC Dr Dayo Israel.


The event, aimed at engaging Nigerian youth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, encouraged young Nigerians to see sports as a viable and rewarding career path.

According to Dikko, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader objective of using sports as a tool to curb restiveness, crime, and unemployment among youths across the country.


“This is the principle Mr. President stands for — if he believes in something, he follows through and does it,” Dikko said.


He emphasized that the recent rewards given to athletes are not merely symbolic but reflect the government’s genuine commitment to recognizing excellence and investing in the future of Nigerian sports.


“The reason athletes now go the extra mile is because they know their efforts are truly valued. When athletes feel appreciated, they give more. What President Tinubu is doing is not just about rewards — he is laying a solid foundation for the future of Nigerian sports.”

Dikko noted that the President’s gesture has inspired a renewed spirit among athletes. According to him, every Nigerian athlete now understands that “if you do the right thing, Nigeria is behind you.” He added that this new mindset is fostering a culture where talent is nurtured and success becomes inevitable.


He stressed that the era of neglecting athletes is over, affirming that President Tinubu is fully committed to the welfare and development of sportsmen and women across the nation.


“We are already working on a National Sports Development Framework — a structured and transparent system to guide our athletes, coaches, and stakeholders,” he announced.


Dikko  further explained, Under this new system of Renewed hope initiative, athletes will be able to set clear goals and follow a defined pathway to achieve success.


He concluded by reaffirming the Federal Government’s long-term vision for sports in Nigeria:


“We are building a culture that values principle, discipline, and performance. This is not just about winning medals — it’s about giving every Nigerian athlete a fair shot at greatness. I am proud to be part of this vision alongside the President. And truly, this is just the beginning.”

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Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”

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Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.

 Contributing to the debate,  Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.


Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.


Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.


“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted. 


The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.


Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.


Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.


Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.


The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.

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