NSC Inaugurates Elite Athletes and Podium Board
Abuja, Nigeria — The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated its Elite Athletes and Podium Board, aimed at fostering sustainable development and welfare for Nigerian athletes.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Commission’s Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who emphasized the board’s critical role in enhancing podium performances through a scientific and structured approach.
The board, led by former Nigerian international Yusuf Ali as the Chief Executive Officer, has been tasked with addressing long-standing issues affecting Nigerian athletes at major international events.
“This board is a structural initiative, not a temporary committee,” Mallam Dikko stated. “We have created an annual budget line for key competitions like the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games to ensure sustained funding.”
Dikko further noted that the board’s establishment will become a permanent feature of the NSC once the ongoing review of the Commission’s Act is completed.
Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, highlighted the board’s clear mandate to identify Nigeria’s priority sports, incentivize athletes, and provide life-after-sports coaching.
“The board will conduct feasibility studies for high-performance centers and recommend professional structures for athletes’ development,” Olopade stated.
Meanwhile, Sunday Dare, Special Senior Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, encouraged the board to meet the expectations placed on it, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to structural sports reforms.
The former Minister of Youth and Sports described the initiative as pivotal to consistent podium performances for Nigeria.
Yusuf Ali, the board’s CEO, assured stakeholders that the team would deliver on its mandate. He expressed gratitude to the NSC leadership for the opportunity to serve.
The board comprises distinguished members, including Prof. Ken Anugweje (Adviser), Olumide Bamiduro (Secretary), Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun, Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi, and Mary Onyali.
Other members include Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, Sunday Odebode, Olalekan Alabi, Otunba Sylvester Ikuejamoye (representing NAPHER-SD), Olumide Oyedeji (representing the Nigeria Olympics Committee), Isa Suleiman (representing PCN), Mrs. Opara Tecla, Adebimpe Adewale, and Shagaya Abdulmumeen.
By Taiwo Olatinwo| February 1, 2025