Sports
NSC DG Hon. Olopade Lauds FIRS under Zacch Adedeji, Advocates Stronger Partnership Between Taxation and Sports Development
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has praised the leadership of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) under Dr. Zacch Adedeji, PhD, describing him as a visionary public servant and committed supporter of sports development in Nigeria.
Hon. Olopade made this known during a visit to the FIRS Headquarters on Thursday, commending the FIRS’ involvement as one of the key partners of the upcoming CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championships scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State between July 16-20.
The Championship is a continental gathering of rising athletic stars and is powered by public-private partnerships championed under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Dr. Zacch Adedeji is not just a reformist in the tax administration space, but also a passionate lover of sports,” said Hon. Olopade. “The FIRS’ support for this championship is a clear signal that sports and taxation can work hand-in-hand to build a stronger, healthier, and more united Nigeria, as we work to stimulate Nigeria’s sports economy.”
Hon. Olopade emphasized the growing intersection between taxation and national development, stressing that sports, when properly funded and strategically positioned, can generate jobs, contribute to the nation’s economy, and promote unity.
“There is a natural synergy between taxation and sports,” Hon. Olopade noted. “Taxes fund infrastructure, education, and now—more importantly grassroots and elite sports development. This partnership with FIRS demonstrates how a forward-thinking tax institution can catalyze social impact beyond revenue generation.”
He called for a more formalized and enduring working relationship between the NSC and FIRS to support long-term sports development strategies, athlete welfare, and infrastructure investment.
“Sports development is no longer just a recreational agenda—it is an economic, health, and diplomatic tool. And institutions like the FIRS have a critical role to play in this vision,” Olopade added.
The CAA U18/U20 Championships will host athletes from about 50 African nations and is expected to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s athletics history, particularly as the Championship aligns with the Federal Government’s push to make Nigeria a sports hub in Africa.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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