Sports

NPFL Club Owners Pay Courtesy Visit to NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko

Published

2 years ago

November 8, 2024

…Says Elite league can drive Nigeria’s sports economy – Says Dikko

The chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko has has stated that the Nigeria’s elite football league has the potential to play pivotal role in Nigeria’s sporting economy.

Dikko made the statement while addressing the NPFL Club Owners delegation that paid him a courtesy visit, on Thursday in Abuja.

“What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy,” Dikko stated, emphasizing that football has the potential to be a powerful driver in realizing this vision.

Dikko, who led the Nigerian Professional Football League as the chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), warmly welcomed the delegation, describing them as “a family” and members of his primary constituency.

Expressing his joy over the visit, Dikko emphasized the importance of unity and shared responsibility for the development of Nigerian sports, particularly the football league.

“Now that we’re in the driver’s seat, we have no excuse anymore not to bring growth,” he stated. “All the plans we’ve discussed over the years on paper —this is the time to take action and make them a reality. We all need to be on deck for the growth of sports in Nigeria.”

“What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy,” he added.

Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu, chairman of the Forum congratulated Shehu Dikko on his well-deserved appointment and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fitting a square peg in a square hole. He adviced that the NSC should prioritize sports infrastructure and grassroots development programs.

Ex commissioner of Sports, Gombe State, Mallam Farouk Yarma expressed appreciation to the NPFL Club Owners, emphasizing that all hands must be on deck for all-encompassing growth in the sports industry.

The club owners’ contingent included prominent figures such as Dr. Okechukwu Kpalakwu (chairman, Rivers United), who serves as the Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners Forum, along with Secretary, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku (chairman, Enugu Rangers).

Other members of the NPFL delegation include:

•   Mr. Habila Hosea Mutla (Vice Chairman, North)
•   Hon. Olaniyan Babatunde (Board Member, South West)
•   Mr. Solomon Babanjah (Chairman, Nasarawa United)
•   Mr. Kumbi Titiloye (Board Member, NPFL)
•   Mr. Bashir Badawir (General Manager, Kwara United)
•   Mr. Dominic Iorfa (Board of Trustee Member)

The visit underscored a renewed commitment to advancing Nigerian sports through strategic initiatives, enhanced governance, and stakeholder collaboration under the NSC’s guidance.

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Sports

Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday

Published

11 hours ago

November 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.

In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.

The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.

The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.

It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.

“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.

“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.

“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”

The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.

Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.

She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.

In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.

They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.

The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

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