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SHEHU DIKKO SET TO REVAMP NIGERIAN SPORTS

Published

10 months ago

November 27, 2024

Felly Mammah N.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has been receiving commendations for what he has done in times past in the Premier Leagues and for what he is capable of doing, in the present sports scenario. Being a FIFA Match Commissioner of repute and presently a CAF Committee Member, sports lovers are pleased with his appointment to saddle the sports sector, more especially coming from Mr President who is not only a football fan, but a sports lover generally.

Dikko’s business ideas are renowned to have made Nigerian Leagues vibrant and, no doubt, could be part of the President’s considerations for nominating him to deploy his wealth of experience in the vast spectrum of Nigerian sports, and to make them financially attractive and less burdensome to government.

Visibly seen around the NSC Chairman, since his assumption of duty, are veterans of football who are eager to collaborate with him and to lift Nigerian sports and bring leaders of sports from all over the world to Nigeria. Those who have personally worked with him before now do not seem to want to either part ways with him or to be excluded from the envisaged pragmatic restructuring which his administration portends.

Of great significance is Dikko’s encouragement for dialogue and togetherness, which has given room for Directors of the defunct Ministry of Sports Development to brief him on their schedules, with the totality of their usual challenges being lack of funds to execute principal projects and to device thoughtful ways of generating revenue for programme sustainability.

Notable working visits that he has engaged in, include among others, the courtesy call from the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (OFR) whose wish is to collaborate with the Commission to see how the military can support to recreate a new Sports Commission, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s zeal for change which, without doubt, necessitated the abolishment of the erstwhile Ministry, to enable the Sports Commission be independent indeed, to meet the high global standard in the sector.

Both Gen. Musa and Dikko agreed that sports means a lot to Nigerians as it invariably affects health and security. They recalled their days of early beginnings when lnter-House sports competition was a big attraction and motivation to youths, as well as propelling them away from crimes. Indulging youths in sports according to them, will keep them busy and calm insecurity. The Chairman’s resumption came at a time that the Nigeria Army hosted 25 African countries for the 2nd edition of the Armed Forces Games.

The appearance of Shehu Dikko on the stage is a good omen that is already speaking volume of positive forwardness in the sports sector as Nigeria is among African countries that have qualified for the 2025 AFCON championships . Nigeria’s Supper Falcons are also looked upon on to perform favorably in the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, in the aftermath of the draws of the games and perform creditably in the tournament which is expected to be played in Morocco from 5-21 July 2025.

As Dikko takes his giant strides, the Sports Writers Association (SWAN) is among notable forces that will determinedly engage with him and drive effective collaboration and partnership in the overall interest of Sports Development and attract investors to the sector.

The Chairman has similarly welcomed the partnership of National Association Women in Sports (NAWIS) and National Associations of Physical and health SD. While commending the women for making the country proud during crucial games, he advised them to draw a road map project that will continue to make them relevant in the sports sector.

Finally Chairman Shehu Dikko looks forward to collaborating with every stakeholder or any person who will make meaningful suggestions that will enable him penetrate areas with latent sporting potentials. One of his grand achievements will be the evolution of a revamped sports domain, devoid of pointers or traces of negativity in the conduct of sporting activities as was experienced at times in the past years.

Felly Mammah N.
Press Officer (NSC).

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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