...Charges federations to develop defined, actionable strategies for development

The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko has emphasized the collective objective to build a resilient sports sector in Nigeria, in which sports federations thrive to their fullest.

During a courtesy visit from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), on Wednesday, Dikko highlighted the inter-dependent nature of success within the sports ecosystem, affirming that the NSC will support all sports federations as they strive to meet their goals.

"There’s respect for everyone in the structure that we’re building. We’re here to talk about progress and how to make our sports stronger, motivating athletes to perform at their best both locally and internationally," Dikko stated. 

"We will support all federations because your success is our success; and if you fail, we fail. We’re focused solely on progressive actions. We want to see programmes, objectives, and a clear vision so we can align and move forward as a united front."

Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Tonobok Okowa, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Dikko, noting the value of having "one of our own" leading the NSC. 

"For the first time in a while, we have someone who understands our language. We welcome you to the sports sector; you’re the best thing that has happened to Nigerian sports in a long time," Okowa added.

The AFN president reflected on Dikko’s previous role in overseeing Nigeria’s elite football league as chairman of the LMC, stating, “When he handled our league, we saw the results. If he brings that same energy and zeal to this office, the sky is our limit. We know you’re a listener and that you will do what’s needed to succeed.”

Dikko concluded that his leadership,l will emphasize on collaboration and mutual success, and this is widely viewed as a promising step forward in the advancement of Nigerian sports.