The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed seasoned sports technocrat, Tunde Adelakun as chairman of its newly established Diaspora Talents Discovery Committee.

 

The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olopade, who said the decision followed careful consideration by the leadership of the commission, led by its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.

 

According to Olopade, Adelakun was selected based on his vast experience in sports administration and development, particularly his deep involvement and extensive networks within the Nigerian sports diaspora. He described the new committee as a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the Renewed Hope agenda of the Federal Government through structured and scientific approaches to sports development.

 

“The leadership of the commission considers this committee very critical to our vision for Nigerian sports,” Olopade said. “It will play a major role in strengthening the Renewed Hope Initiative for sports development by adopting modern, data-driven, and sustainable methods aimed at achieving consistent podium excellence at international competitions.”

 

He emphasized that the creation of the Diaspora Talents Discovery Committee reflects the commission’s resolve to harness Nigeria’s vast human capital beyond its borders, noting that many talented athletes of Nigerian descent are excelling globally but remain untapped.

 

“Myself and Mallam Shehu Dikko are very excited with the direction we are heading,” Olopade stated. “We are determined to harness all the resources available to us as a nation, both at home and abroad, to achieve sports excellence, and this committee will specifically address the diaspora aspect of that vision.”

 

The NSC Director General expressed confidence in Adelakun’s ability to deliver on the mandate of the committee, citing his rich diaspora network and long-standing engagement with Nigerian athletes overseas.

 

“Adelakun, with his strong diaspora connections, will help us reach thousands of our sons and daughters who are willing and eager to represent Nigeria with pride and dignity,” Olopade added.

 

Speaking after his appointment, Tunde Adelakun expressed gratitude to the leadership of the National Sports Commission for the confidence reposed in him, describing the opportunity as both an honour and a responsibility.

 

“This appointment means a lot to me,” Adelakun said. “It is an initiative that I believe will fundamentally change the landscape of Nigerian sports by ensuring that no talent is left undiscovered, regardless of where that talent is based.”

 

He explained that the Diaspora Talents Discovery Committee aligns with global best practices in sports development, where countries actively scout and integrate athletes from their diaspora communities into national programmes.

 

“This is a clear case of adopting international best practices to harness all available resources, both at home and abroad, in our quest for sporting excellence,” he noted.

 

Adelakun further stated that many Nigerians in the diaspora are eager to compete for the country but often face administrative, logistical, or emotional barriers. He said the committee’s primary task would be to create a seamless and welcoming framework that makes it easier for such athletes to feel accepted and supported.

 

“We have a lot of Nigerians in the diaspora who are willing to compete for the country,” he said. “Our job is to create that smooth platform for them to feel a homely welcome and to proudly wear the green and white.”

 

The Diaspora Talents Discovery Committee is expected to begin work immediately, as the NSC intensifies efforts to reposition Nigerian sports for global competitiveness and long-term success.