Sports
President Tinubu’s Support, Grassroots Investments, Athlete Welfare Driving Nigeria’s Sports Renaissance – Olopade
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed that sustained funding and strategic support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are central to the recent progress recorded in Nigeria’s sports sector, particularly in athletics development.
Speaking on the Commission’s ongoing reforms and achievements, Hon. Olopade highlighted grassroots development and athlete welfare as the twin pillars driving a new era of growth and global competitiveness.
“The consistent funding and unwavering support from Mr. President have been a major highlight of what we are achieving today in Nigerian sports. It has enabled us to refocus, rebuild, and reposition our systems for sustainable success,” Olopade stated.
The NSC boss emphasized the Commission’s deliberate efforts to nurture young talents through structured pathways, pointing to emerging athletes such as Rosemary Nwankwo, Miracle Ezechukwu, and Jacinta Lawrence as shining examples of the future of Nigerian athletics.
“Our Invited Junior Athletes initiative has unearthed stars like Rosemary Nwankwo, Miracle Ezechukwu, and Jacinta Lawrence, who are already in the pipeline as the future. This is exactly the kind of progression we want to see from the grassroots to the elite level across all sports,” he said.
“We are opening the doors wider by organizing national trials for about 600 Nigerian athletes in the diaspora. This will give them the opportunity to participate in the National Intermediate Games and the National Sports Festival, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and positioning them to represent Nigeria on the global stage in the future.”
Hon. Olopade further noted that athletes welfare has become a defining feature of the current administration, with deliberate policies introduced to ensure athletes are adequately supported and motivated.
“Athlete welfare has been one our greatest asset in this administration. In the last six months alone, we have paid athletes grants twice. The least among our elite athletes received $5,000, while even our young athletes were supported with ₦3 million each. Beyond that, we have taken responsibility for the education of some of our brightest future stars by paying their school fees. This is the kind of system that builds confidence, loyalty, and excellence.”
The NSC DG reiterated the Commission’s commitment to building a sustainable sports ecosystem that prioritizes inclusivity, performance, and long-term national pride.
Sports
NHF President Nkom, Prof. Agbo Attend 50th FIH Congress in Doha
Cyril Ogar
President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Nkom, and NHF Board Member, Professor Ediga Agbo, are representing Nigeria at the landmark 50th Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Doha, Qatar.
The congress brings together hockey leaders and administrators from across the world to deliberate on governance, policy direction and strategies for the future development of the sport.
Their participation provides Nigeria with an opportunity to engage with international stakeholders, exchange ideas and explore initiatives that can strengthen the growth and administration of hockey in the country.
Speaking on the significance of the gathering, Nkom said, “Our participation in this historic congress is an opportunity to learn from global best practices, build strategic relationships and identify initiatives that can contribute to the sustainable development of hockey in Nigeria.”
Agbo also emphasised the importance of translating international engagements into practical progress at home, saying, “The ultimate goal is to ensure that the knowledge and opportunities gained from this congress contribute meaningfully to the development of hockey in Nigeria, particularly in strengthening our structures and creating more opportunities for growth.”
The 50th FIH Congress marks a significant milestone for the international governing body, providing a platform for discussions and decisions that will shape the future of hockey globally.
For Nigeria, the engagement underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing the sport, strengthening its administration and creating a sustainable pathway for hockey development across the country.
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