Sports

NSC Explores Sustainable Private Sector Driven Funding Models for Greater Sports Development

Published

4 months ago

November 24, 2024

…Set to tap into fast-growing eSports market

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reiterated its commitment to building a sustainable sports economy, which will also include tapping into the fast-growing eSports industry.

This was emphasized during a session where the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, received two private sector-driven presentations on funding and development strategies for Nigerian sports.

The first presentation was delivered by Damilola Pedro, Co-founder and Head of Partnerships at Game Africa.

She highlighted the multi-billion-dollar potential of eSports to revolutionize Nigeria’s sports economy, stressing the opportunities for youth empowerment through video gaming.

“Our presentation focuses on the untapped opportunities in eSports to empower Nigerian youths using video games,” Pedro explained. “Nigeria has a viable pathway to unlock the next billions in gaming revenue.”

The second presentation came from Osi-Apagun Lai Labode, MD/CEO of CashToken Rewards Africa. Labode unveiled the Nigeria National Public-Private Universal Sports and Social Security System (NINPPUSSS), a funding model designed to revolutionize sports development in Nigeria through a “Chancified National Contribution.”

“Our model, developed after years of research, shows how we can generate billions of naira annually for sports,” Labode stated. “With the visionary leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olopade, we believe this is achievable.”

The NINPPUSSS initiative aims to generate approximately N1 Trillion annually. These funds are designed to be directed towards promoting grassroots sports development and supporting athletes.

The NSC leadership expressed optimism about leveraging these innovative approaches to achieve the Commission’s mandate of creating a robust and sustainable sports ecosystem.

This development underscores the NSC’s readiness to embrace cutting-edge solutions, including the integration of eSports, as a critical component of Nigeria’s sports and economic future.

The Commission is committed to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a vibrant sports economy in Nigeria.

Both Dikko and Olopade expressed their commitment to exploring new approaches and modern funding models for inclusive sports development.

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Sports

Cricket: Nigeria To Host ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Qualifier

Published

20 hours ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria Cricket Federation , NCF, says it is ready to host five other nations for the International Cricket Council ,ICC, Under 19 Men’s World Cup African Qualifier.

The tournament is billed for Lagos, with the matches to be held at the cricket ovals in Tafawa Balewa Square ,TBS, and the University of Lagos ,UniLag, from March 26 to April 6.

Uyi Akpata, President of the Federation, said in a statement on Sunday, that the tournament is about celebrating the growth of the game on the continent.

“Nigeria is thrilled to welcome these talented young cricketers and their supporters to Lagos.
“Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and fascinating cricketing potential, and we are committed to making this qualifier a memorable experience for all.

“This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the growth of cricket in Africa and inspiring the next generation of players”, Akpata noted.

However, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will be hoping to secure the ticket, having achieved same feat in 2019 and competing at the World Cup in South Africa 2020

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