A New Dawn For Sports In Nigeria-By Ayodele Thomas
There is a fresh wave of leadership in Nigerian sports. Mallam Shehu Dikko and Chief Bukola Olapade seem poised to bring innovation and progress to the National Sports Commission.
I was fortunate to engage them Saturday in Lagos, after the 10th Access Bank Marathon. They are focused on a combination of infrastructure development, talent identification, private sector involvement and international collaborations.
Some of their programmes and plans for sports development are hinged on 7 major areas, highlighted below:
1. Grassroots Development & Talent Identification
This involves establishing academies and training centres across Nigeria to scout and nurture young talent.Partnering with schools to integrate sports into the education system. Organizing more inter-school, inter-state, and regional competitions.
2. Infrastructure & Facilities Upgrade
Renovating and maintaining existing stadiums and training facilities. Development of community-based sports centres for mass sports participation. Making sure modern training equipments are available for athletes.
3. Strengthening our domestic leagues, ensuring proper governance, sponsorship, and TV rights deals. Encourage club ownership models that attract private investment and improve officiating standards to boost the credibility of our competitions.
4. Private Sector Involvement & Investment. Offering incentives for companies, who invest in sports development. Encouraging sponsorships and endorsements for athletes. And the development of a sustainable business model for the sports industry.
5. Athlete Welfare & Development. Implement structured athlete development programmes, including scholarships and insurance policies for athletes. Set up post-career transition programmes to help athletes build careers beyond sports, and improve medical and psychological support for athletes.
6. International Partnerships & Exposure. The NSC is strengthening collaboration with global sports organizations for knowledge exchange. While facilitating more international training camps for athletes and coaches.
7. Sports Tourism & Diversification
Finally, to develop Nigeria as a hub for major sporting events. Encourage alternative sports (e.g., basketball, athletics, boxing) beyond football. And use sports as a tool for national unity and youth empowerment.
Written by: ESV Ayodele Thomas, CEO TopPro Management, and FIFA Licensed Football Agent
