Abuja, Nigeria – February 7, 2025
National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has pledged to engage all stakeholders in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate for sports economy development and grassroots sports revitalization.
Chairman Dikko made the commitment during a working visit from the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN). He emphasized that no key stakeholder will be excluded from the Commission’s vision.
“We have a clear mandate from the President to develop the sports economy and revitalize grassroots sports,” Chairman Dikko stated. “He has also appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development to work directly with us. These goals can only be achieved through full stakeholder participation.”
He added, “We maintain an open-door policy and value such visits. These discussions provide valuable input that shapes our decisions. We encourage all stakeholders to engage with us directly, as AFFAN has done today. Open communication is essential for effective collaboration and idea exchange.”
Chairman Dikko promised to revisit a previous administration’s commitment to include AFFAN representatives on the boards of sports federations. “We understand that you received prior approval for board inclusion. We will review the status of this approval and work to ensure your representation,” he affirmed.
He acknowledged the significant contributions of female athletes to Nigeria’s sporting history. “Women have consistently been vital to our success in winning medals and accolades. We are committed to including ex-internationals, including women, in our national teams for major games. We recognize the unique needs and perspectives of women in sports and will ensure appropriate representation,” he stated.
Chairman Dikko outlined plans to strengthen the NSC’s zonal offices. “Our zonal offices will function as mini-Sports Commissions, each led by a Federal Sports Commissioner responsible for identifying and developing talent within their zone. Our budget includes provisions for these offices. Grassroots sports development will be driven through school sports programs, from which many of you emerged.”
He concluded, “We are establishing centers of excellence at the local government, state, and zonal levels. We are dedicated to creating a sustainable talent pipeline to ensure future generations of athletes can follow in your footsteps.”
The AFFAN delegation was led by its President, Dr. Toyin Aluko.
This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Ajayi Kehinde (Mrs.), Director (Information and PR), National Sports Commission.
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