Sports

How I Learnt to Dine with Elders — NSC DG’s Special Assistant, Kola Daniel

Published

9 months ago

February 7, 2026

Director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade’s special assistant on media, Kola Daniel says he has worked successfully with many top shots because he learnt how to wash his hands and eat with elders.

Although he admitted that being the D.G’s image maker entails a lot of responsibilities, Daniel added in an exclusive interview with Sports247 that the peps of office make it enjoyable.

He further noted that the experience he gained working under many media gurus in various organisations since 2004 prepared him for the task he is currently engaged in.

Having also previously worked with former minister of sports, Chief Sunday Dare, before joining Honourable Olopade’s aides, gave him a better understanding of what is expected of him.

“I can’t mix professionalism with pleasure, and I can’t mix it with my personal interest. When I want to write an official press statement, I have to be principled. I have to do my job and I have to do it effectively.

“My best day was the first time I flew in a private jet with Honourable Sunday Dare. We had to go out of the shore of this country and were only four in the private jet.

“I said to myself, ‘Wow! This is how life is sweet.’ Before you knew it, I started flying in private jets here and there all the time,” Daniel recounted.

He concluded with a look at some of the assets he is naturally endowed with, which help him work effectively under pressure, as well as his understanding of how to respect people in authority.

Daniel pointed out, “I’ve been able to come this far courtesy of my writing skills and always knowing how to show good manners.

“A Yoruba expression says, ‘When a child knows how to wash his hands, he will eat with elders.’ That’s my story and it has become part of me. It’s all by the power of God.”

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Sports

NSC DG Olopade Applauds FCT’s Move to Develop Gwagwalada Mini Stadium

Published

10 hours ago

November 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the planned construction of a mini stadium in Gwagwalada, describing the initiative as a significant boost to sports development in the territory.

Hon. Olopade said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its commitment to the development of sports infrastructure across the country.

According to the DG, the proposed Gwagwalada Mini Stadium, when completed, will serve as an important sporting facility during the 2027 African School Games scheduled to hold in Abuja, while also providing young athletes in the FCT with access to quality sports infrastructure to nurture their talents.

“As I speak, over 30 contractors have been mobilized to various sites to ensure that sporting facilities and infrastructure are put in place for both our young and elite athletes across the country, Hon, Olopade said.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for sports development, noting that the Federal Government had committed over ₦200 billion to the rehabilitation and development of sports infrastructure nationwide.

“We are more than grateful at the Sports Commission because Mr President has been very supportive of sports like never before. His commitment to spending over ₦200 billion on infrastructure revamp across the country will ensure that indigent children have access to quality facilities to harness their sporting potential,” he added.

The DG emphasized that sports infrastructure remains a critical factor in achieving excellence, noting that the availability and quality of facilities play a major role in athletes’ performance and their ability to secure podium finishes at international competitions.

He described the planned construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium as a welcome development, commending Wike for his continued commitment to infrastructure development in the FCT.

“The construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium by the FCT Minister is a massive welcome development for the Sports Commission. The Minister deserves all the accolades for the good work he has been doing in the FCT, particularly in the area of construction and infrastructure development,” Hon. Olopade said.

The NSC reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the development of sporting facilities that will support grassroots participation, talent discovery and the overall growth of sports in Nigeria.

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