The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, held a crucial meeting with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in Abuja on Wednesday to discuss key issues affecting the nation’s sports ecosystem.
The meeting focused on strategic areas that will shape the future of sports in the country, including the need for a robust legal framework to guide the sports sector.
During the meeting, Dikko pointed out the importance of a legal framework that reflects the new dimension of sports development envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Persecondnews reports that discussions centred on drafting and enacting legislation to formalize the sports economy, ensuring clear policies for governance, regulation, and investment.
This framework is expected to attract private sector participation, enhance transparency, and define roles for stakeholders, creating a well-structured and thriving industry.
Another key area of focus was the need for world-class sports facilities across the country.
Dikko and the NOC identified investment in modern infrastructure, including training centres, stadia, and community sports hubs, as a top priority.
These facilities will serve as breeding grounds for athletes and hubs for hosting international competitions, boosting tourism and national pride.
Funding for athletes was also a critical topic of discussion, with the meeting exploring ways of securing consistent financial support for athletes, including sponsorships and public-private partnerships.
Dikko stated that the goal is to ensure athletes have access to quality training, medical care, and competitive opportunities, enabling them to focus on excelling in their respective sports.
The NSC chairman added that timely training camps, logistical arrangements, and exposure to international tournaments are paramount.
This proactive approach aims to improve Nigeria’s performance on the global stage and avoid the last-minute rush that has hindered success in the past, he stressed.
Dikko reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to working closely with the NOC and other stakeholders to achieve these goals.
He emphasized that collaboration is key to the success of the reforms envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Stakeholders at the meeting concluded that the discussions will set the stage for transformative progress that will benefit athletes and the sports industry in general.
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