Sports
NSC Outlines Tinubu’s New Sports Mandate To Federation Presidents
Joel Ajayi
National Sports Commission ,NSC, has unveiled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new mandate aimed at transforming Nigerian sports into a sustainable sports economy.
The detailed vision-unveiling was led by the leadership of the NSC during a strategic meeting with Presidents and Secretaries of various Sports Federations, on Tuesday, in Abuja.
The meeting marked the first official engagement between the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade with federation leaders following institutional changes in Nigeria’s Sports sector.
Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko emphasized the shared vision between the NSC and Sports Federations, stressing the importance of partnership in driving growth and sustainability in Nigerian sports.
“We believe we are all partners with the various Sports Federations, working together for the same goal to reposition Nigerian sports”, Dikko stated.
“We came here with a clear mandate from Mr. President to get sports working again by building a sustainable sports economy. We can’t just measure our sports by participation in tournaments but by its contributions to the entire economy, and that is the new mandate and direction”, he added.
To achieve this vision, Dikko outlined a three-pillar strategy for Nigerian sports: Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch..
Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade echoed the Chairman’s call for strategic reforms, emphasizing the NSC’s commitment to athlete development and governance restructuring.
“One thing we have also worked on is getting a consultant to come work with the Commission.
Mr Bambo Akani, Founder & CEO of Making of Champions will be our Consultant, working closely with the Commission to develop a relationship with the elite athletes across all the Sports through the Elite Development and Podium Board,” Olopade revealed.
He announced plans to establish a training fund for exceptional athletes, which will commence in February 2025. The fund will ensure athletes receive financial support for training well ahead of major competitions.
“Once we do that, we will start paying their training funds long before a major event. The days of athletes getting training grants at competition venues are gone”, Olopade stated.
He also emphasized the NSC’s efforts to improve governance within Sports Federations by introducing a corporate governance structure and appointing marketing-driven Chief Operating Officers ,COOs. He applauded the Nigeria Rugby Federation for leading this effort with the appointment of Babatunde Adeluola as its COO.
Sports
AACT 2026: Babagirei-Ahmad Assures Visitors of Smooth Visa Processing, Warm Welcome
By Joel Ajayi
With nine days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Visa, Airport Reception and Protocol Committee, Zulaiha Babagirei-Ahmad, has assured participating countries and other visitors of smooth visa processing and a warm reception ahead of the continental women’s golf championship.
Babagirei-Ahmad said preparations were progressing smoothly, with her committee working closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a seamless arrival experience for golfers, team officials and other delegates expected in Nigeria.
She noted that the committee was committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere and efficient protocol services that would make the stay of visitors memorable while showcasing Nigeria’s renowned hospitality
With about 30 African countries expected to participate in the championship, the committee is coordinating visa arrangements, airport reception and other logistical requirements to facilitate the arrival and movement of international guests.
According to her, the objective goes beyond ensuring smooth entry into the country, as the committee is determined to make every visitor feel welcome from the moment they arrive in Abuja.
She added that the championship offers Nigeria an opportunity to strengthen relationships among African nations, promote unity through sport and showcase the country’s capacity to host major international sporting events.
The 2026 edition will be the third time Nigeria has hosted the All Africa Challenge Trophy, following the 1996 championship at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 edition at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The tournament is scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, under the slogan, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens.”
With preparations entering the final stretch, Babagirei-Ahmad expressed confidence that the committee would deliver efficient visa coordination, effective airport reception and quality protocol services to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
As the countdown continues, Nigeria is preparing to welcome Africa’s golfing community to Abuja for a championship expected to celebrate sporting excellence, friendship and continental unity.
9 DAYS TO GO!
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA!
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