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
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.
The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.
The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.
Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.
According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.
“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.
The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.
As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.
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