By

Felly Mammah

Alhaji Shehu Dikko, of the Sports Commission, is indeed a man to reckone with, and a man to be trusted with high-profile responsibilities. A hidden characteristic that distinguishes him is that he listens to all, even while on active duty in the office and out side his environment. Very notable of him is that he grants audience to all that shear ideas on the development of Sports. He is known to actualise a purpose daily as he works into the dark hours of the day but ensures that all his staff close from work at government stipulated time.

Shehu Dikko may look speechless going by his countenance but he is highly intelligent and versed with computer ICT that makes him highly independent on others. His ICT training seem to be an added advantage as an exemplary administrator which could probably, be one of the reasons he smiles home daily being fulfilled. But to give other people the opportunity of being relevant, he allows every one to excel in both their abilities and educational profession. 

In less than six months of his assumption of duty, he has been able to dictate and sight persons that can drive over 40 federations in the sport sector especially those who will bring sporting activities to a global standard that would be comparable to other countries Sports. His high ique of the development of sport is seen to be comparatively targeting countries like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, USA, and North African countries that are strong opponents to Nigeria players during tournaments.

 Being granded in the sporting activities, is also, an edge for him to easily acquaint with verse sports administration that covers mass populations under him. Having contacts with all the sports sectors since his arrival, including his long sightedness, has enabled him to extract intellectual abilities of relevant persons that truly desire to be on the same page of sports development with him.
With regards to the Presidency that allowed him to choose aids that will drive the sector accordinly with his vision, knowing that  sporting activities have both natural and technicalities that need naturing before the talent can be unveiled. 

Some of Dikko formidable team members have retired from active service but are still very active with experiences. Alhaji Dikko recently inaugurated Elite Athletes and Podium Board Members with a clear mandate for Sustainable Scientific Podiums Performance. The Chairman is mindful of the fact that sport is not a political sector where truth is gambled. Although it involves huge financial implications thus, the dear need that necessitated his intention to creat a platform  where monies committed to sports projects, will come back to the country in form of gold, live sustainability, transformation, lasting rewards that will live lasting smiles and give names to both the atheletes and the government. 

Among the credible persons critically screened from their past records of excellence to serve in the board  is ex-international Yusuf Ali, who is also, the Chief Executive Officer of the Board. He is mandated to ensure that there will be Sustainable Scientific System for Nigerian Athletes' Discovery and Welfare for better Podium Performance. Another significant member in the board, is Professor Ken Anugweje who remains outstanding as a Professor of Sports Medicine that tours round the continent to proffer solutions and as well, guides other countries on the Scientific Bases of Sports to Coaches.

Notable among the relevant persons in the board is the former Minister of the default Ministry of Youth and Sports Development  Mr. Sunday Dare whose ability to have managed the sports administration during his tenure, will make it easy for him to proffer solutions that will bridge another poor outing during international tournaments. A renowned figure that stood out amidst the men administratively while on active service and  recognised as the head girl of sports as well as a reference point, is Mrs Hauwa Akinyemi -Kulu. 

Other members include ex-Olympian Mary Onyali, Olumide Oyerinde (atheletes cordinator), Dr. Emmanul Ibinosa whose  integrity earned him the position of a Permanent Secretary in Edo State upon his retirement from sports.  Most importantly, is the Secretary of the board Mr. Olumide Bamiduro (Dir. Of Sports in the commission) who will definitely make a huge difference with proper documentation of a clear drive of the  Commission's expectation for better development of our athletes.

Suffix it to say that the father of sports who personally rose to all political hight of sport both locally and internationally, Engr. Habu Gumel, was among the pioneer leaders that supported the persons chosen to develop a clear roadmap for the expected success of the board members. Sports fans have continued to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for magnanimously increasing the budget of the Sport Commission this year with a huge sum that would for the first time, take care of the responsibilities of major international competitions and other Federations major championships ahead of time.

Shehu Dikko in his remarks during the inauguration of the board explained that, "The reason why we are calling this a Board, not a Committee, is because a committee is temporary, but we want to make this a structural process that will outlive all of us." "As the act is being revived, this particular Board is among the new initiatives that will come under it, that will be legally backed." He further explained that "the fundings might not be enough, but that it will show the direction the Government is heading, which will stimulate the private sector."

Some of the bullet terms of reference that will guide the Board Members, is for them to determine appropriate incentives for optional athletes' performance and also, provide life-after-sport coaching for elite athletes, conduct feasibility studies for high-performance and athletes' development centers as well as recommend appropriate professional and remuneration structures.