Mallam Shehu Dikko, the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive sports administration, ensuring all stakeholders are involved in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandates on sports economy and grassroots development.
Dikko made the pledge during a meeting with the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), led by President Dr. Toyin Aluko.
Dikko’s commitment to inclusive sports administration is part of the NSC’s broader goals, which include promoting sports development and physical fitness across Nigeria.
The commission aims to establish a thriving sports industry that contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP.
“We have the sports economy mandate from the President. He has also instructed us to take sports development down to the grassroots,” Dikko said, stating the importance of stakeholder involvement.
“These mandates can only be actualized with the full involvement of all stakeholders. That is why we don’t close our doors to such visits.”
He urged stakeholders to engage directly with the Commission, rather than resorting to media publicity.
Dikko also promised to revisit the previous administration’s promise to include AFFAN in the board of Sports Federations.
“It is good to hear that you had already gotten the approval from the former sports minister to include your association in the boards of the Sports Federations.
“So, we have to see how we can activate it to have you included in the Boards,” he said.
The NSC Chairman acknowledged the significant contributions of women athletes to Nigeria’s sporting achievements, noting that women’s representation in teams is crucial due to their unique needs.
He also outlined plans to strengthen the Commission’s zonal offices, establishing “mini Sports Commissions” with Federal Sports Commissioners in each zone.
This move aims to identify and develop talents from across the country, with a focus on schools sports and centres of excellence.
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