Joel Ajayi 

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, CON, FNIS, has praised President Ahmed Tinubu for transforming Nigeria’s sports sector into a sustainable and economically viable industry.

The former Minister of Youth and Sports Development made a special appearance at the official inauguration of the Elite Athletes and Podium Board over the weekend at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. He charged the newly inaugurated board to live up to expectations and ensure Nigeria consistently achieves podium performances.

The presidential spokesperson affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the ongoing structural reforms under the leadership of the National Sports Commission.

He emphasized that President Tinubu recognizes the power of sports diplomacy, which countries now leverage as soft power on the global stage

According to him, President Tinubu is in tune with 21st-century sports development, which is crucial. He noted that when comparing budgets from his time as minister to the current figures, the difference is revolutionary. It takes a president who understands the importance of sports development, particularly for the youth, to bring about such transformation.

“We now have a president who does not believe in episodic funding of sports—one who does not wait for the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, or the National Sports Festival before releasing funds for sports development. The culture of sports development must be continuous, and that is exactly what we are witnessing now,” he said.

While urging the new board to leave no stone unturned in ensuring podium performances at national and international competitions, he said,

“Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have shown up, but I saw a connection between the resources being provided by the Tinubu-led administration and the need to have an elite board like this.

“Sports development and success are not measured by the beautiful stadiums built but by podium performances. You can have all the money in the world, but if the gold medals are not coming in, then nothing has been achieved in sports. To reach that level, you need a board like this.

“I know the chairman has spoken. We will be looking at you, watching you. There is solid confidence in you. They are trusting you.

“If the medals do not come in, we will hold you accountable first. However, I am sure that if challenges arise, there are ways to address them.”
He further stated that with the combination of the NSC Chairman and the Director-General, Nigerian sports is in safe hands.

“I am confident that sports development in Nigeria is currently in very good hands. These are men willing to take risks for sports development, and they bring something rare to the table.

“Their network is massive and extensive, which is crucial for sports development. Beyond what the government can offer, deep-rooted connections with the corporate world and private sector are essential. These two gentlemen are well-positioned in that area,” he added.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Share

Share

Share

Share

Share