NSC Empowers Staff with Innovation-Driven Training to Boost Efficiency and Sectoral Reform

In a strategic move to reposition the Nigerian sports sector, the National Sports Commission (NSC), through its Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RC&SI) Department, has organized a one-day sensitization workshop focused on innovation as a catalyst for enhancing productivity and operational efficiency. This initiative is part of the Commission’s broader reform agenda aimed at aligning with global best practices and the vision of the Federal Government.

The workshop, themed “Promoting Innovation for Improved Operational Efficiency in the National Sports Commission,” was held at the Media Center of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, and brought together staff members from various departments for a robust learning and development session.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director of Human Resource Management, Barry Ndubuisi Odii, underscored the transformative power of innovation in the modern sports landscape.

“Sports organizations evolve through creative thinking, adaptation, and the continuous generation of novel ideas. As a Commission, we bear the responsibility of identifying new and more effective ways to operate, enhance performance, and deliver value across the sports ecosystem,” Odii stated.

He commended the RC&SI department for its proactive initiative, describing the workshop as both timely and strategic in repositioning the Commission. Hon. Olopade further lauded the alignment of the Commission’s activities with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), aimed at making sports a significant contributor to national economic growth.

“I am very happy that the National Sports Commission has firmly keyed into the RHINSE framework, structured by the Commission’s leadership to reset, refocus, and relaunch the sports sector,” he affirmed.

Olopade highlighted how innovation is shaping sports globally, not only in terms of play and performance but also in the administration and management of sporting institutions. He, however, noted a gap in research and implementation of innovation strategies within African sports systems.

“Today’s workshop demonstrates that innovation and its strategic application are critical not only for athletic performance but also for the sustainability and success of sports institutions,” he said, adding that innovation has the potential to solve key challenges such as social exclusion, revenue generation, talent development, and the integration of high-tech solutions.

“Innovation enhances comprehensive efficiency, strengthens competitiveness, and fosters inclusive growth,” he concluded.

He encouraged the participants to see themselves as change agents who must champion the transformation the Nigerian sports sector urgently needs. He also emphasized the need for sustained research and institutional commitment to innovative practices.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Director of the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, emphasized the relevance of innovation and strategic management in modern sports administration. He urged staff members to take full advantage of the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and tools that can directly enhance their day-to-day responsibilities.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. John M. Olusola, a former Director of Civil Service Transformation at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). Dr. Olusola connected the training objectives to the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025), asserting that innovation is essential to the success of any reform.

“For the sports sector to truly evolve, we must commit to bringing in new ideas and approaches to service delivery,” Dr. Olusola stated, encouraging participants to embed innovation into their operational models.

The workshop reinforced the NSC’s commitment to fostering a high-performance culture rooted in innovation, efficiency, and accountability, in line with national development goals.

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