Sports

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

Published

2 years 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

Lagos Women Run: Excitement Builds Ahead of Saturday’s TBS Race

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Participants from different walks of life are eagerly looking forward to the Lagos Women Run scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The participants have expressed excitement about the opportunities and experiences the annual event promises to offer.

Our correspondent reports that, in addition to runners from within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, some athletes are expected to travel from outside the country to participate in the race.

The organisers are already making preparations for the large number of registered participants, while the possibility of accepting late entries will depend on the timing and other arrangements.

The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, said participants should expect an improved experience compared with previous editions.

“We have to continue to get better, as that is the driving force for us as organisers. We will be bigger and better with every edition,” Popoola said.

The 2026 Lagos Women Run will hold on Saturday, November 14, with Tafawa Balewa Square serving as the starting point.

Participants are expected to arrive at the venue by 6:30 a.m. for the event.

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