The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a significant shift in its approach to sports funding, vowing to never again provide training grants to athletes on the day of events.
According to Director General of NSC, Bukola Olopade, the grants will now be transferred in advance, starting with the most decorated Nigerian athletes, such as Ese Brume.
The NSC at the meeting with the Federation’s President and Secretary, said it aims to create a sports ecosystem that showcases its commitment to private sector involvement.
Olopade said the commission is focused on aggressively driving private sector funding, having already received positive feedback from key players in the private sector.
Olapade said: “Never again are we going to give training grants to athletes on the day of events; the grants for athletes will be transferred today, starting with the most decorated Nigerian athlete, Ese Brume.
“We intend to create a sports ecosystem where the private sector will understand that we are serious about what we are doing.
“We are focused on driving aggressively private sector funding. We have spoken to some key players in the private sector, and I can announce to you that we have gotten some positive feedback.”
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, reiterated the commission’s vision, which aligns with the Presidential mandate.
Dikko noted the need to measure the contribution of sports to the economy and shift the focus from competition-based to grassroots development.
This new approach is expected to revolutionize the sports industry in Nigeria, creating a more sustainable and private sector-driven ecosystem.
Dikko said: “This fora is aimed at sharing our vision with you in line with the presidential mandate. Mr. President is one who is not shy of taking bold decisions as long as he believes that the decision is for the good of the system we are condemned to ensure that the presidential mandate for sports is fulfilled.
“We have to measure the contribution of sport to the economy; we have to reset our mentality from competition-based to grassroots development.”
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