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The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has urged sports officials nationwide to align with the Commission's revitalized vision aimed at transforming the sports sector.
Dikko made this appeal while inaugurating a two-day capacity-building workshop for sports officers organized by the NSC in Abuja on Tuesday.
The workshop, themed “Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch the Nigerian Sports Sector for Greater Performance,” intends to foster a more dynamic and economically sustainable sports industry in the country.
He emphasized the significance of collective responsibility and dedication in realizing the Commission's Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).
“You are the essential key drivers of this vision. If you do not align, the task will become significantly more challenging.
“You are among the most skilled, forward-thinking, and valuable assets within the Commission. Success is assured if we collaborate,” he stated.
The NSC chairman reiterated the need to refocus on grassroots sports development as a foundation for achieving international success.
He highlighted the importance of embracing the Federal Executive Council’s recent endorsement of the “Nigeria First” policy, which prioritizes the enhancement of internal capacity and local services.
“For the first time, the commission has devised a focused budget aimed at providing the necessary infrastructure to improve your performance.
“We are in the process of concessioning facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, and Bauchi to ensure optimal utilization,” he mentioned.
Dikko acknowledged the contributions of the Secretaries-General of various Sports Federations but urged them to encourage their federations to become more responsive and results-oriented.
“We need to alter the negative perception of the commission. Our goal is to generate three to four million jobs through sports,” he stated.
Earlier, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, called on the sports officers to adopt a proactive mindset and collaborate as a cohesive team to attain better results.
“As members of this commission, you must be bold and proactive, and you should never allow others to intimidate you.
“The commission fully supports you,” Olopade affirmed.
The Director of the Federation and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), NSC, Olumide Bamiduro, indicated that the workshop was structured to acknowledge and empower the officers, who are pivotal in the sector.
“Your hard work and diligence are vital for the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
“I encourage you to make the most of this retreat to implement the commission’s new policies and vision,” he advised.
The workshop included sessions on "21st Century High Performance Management Strategies for Podium Success in Sports."
The sports officers participated in sessions such as “Mastering Communication Excellence” and “Remodelling Sports Governance and Development in Nigeria.”
