Mallam Shehu Dikko, the newly appointed chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), officially took over his duties at the commission’s headquarters at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. In a ceremony on Wednesday, Dikko outlined his vision to transform Nigeria’s sports landscape, shifting the focus from mere competition to comprehensive sports development aimed at creating a sustainable sports economy.
Dikko received the reins from outgoing Sports development minister, Senator John Owan-Enoh, and described his new role as a continuation of work he began in 2008, when he helped draft the National Sports Commission Bill. Emphasizing the need for a foundational shift, he stated, “We need to change our mindset from simply aiming for medals to building a strong development base, as results will naturally follow when the foundation is solid.”
Outlining the strategic pillars of his administration, Dikko underscored the need to treat sports as a national asset deserving of unique privileges, regulations, and concessions. He proposed deliberate investment in world-class infrastructure, advocating for a structured maintenance approach. He drew parallels to the growth of Nigeria’s communications sector, envisioning similar progress in sports if the industry is effectively structured.
Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s objectives, Dikko said the goal is to boost sports’ contribution to Nigeria’s GDP by at least three percent within five years. This approach, he argued, will not only elevate the nation’s competitive success but also foster a robust, self-sustaining sports economy.
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