NSC pledges to prioritise athletes’ welfare
By Muhyideen Jimoh
The National Sports Commission (NSC) says it will continue to implement policies that prioritise the welfare of Nigerian athletes.
NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, gave the assurance in Abuja when a delegation from the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) paid him a courtesy visit.
Dikko outlined the Commission’s plans, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate, to improve the welfare of athletes.
“What I say to one, I say to all. You are here as representatives of Nigerian footballers, but I will address the needs of every Nigerian athlete across all sports.
“The welfare of athletes will not be compromised under this administration. We are already implementing strategies aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of athletes, both past and present, and leverage sports as a tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and economic development,” he said.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity within the players’ union.
He stressed that factional interests must not overshadow the shared goal of advocating for the welfare of Nigerian football players and athletes in general.
“As far back as 2003, Tijani Babangida here can confirm, I had worked towards introducing a pension scheme for professional footballers and athletes in Nigeria.
“This vision remains critical under the current NSC agenda.
“There must be collaboration and solidarity among all stakeholders because a united sports sector is essential for achieving sustainable growth and success,” Dikko added.
The NSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fostering partnerships, implementing policies, and driving initiatives that will enhance the welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian athletes.
Earlier, the President of PFAN and ex-International, Tijani Babangida, praised Dikko’s appointment and commended President Tinubu for entrusting the leadership of Nigerian sports to a seasoned technocrat.
Babangida urged the Chairman to address pressing issues, particularly the challenge of factionalism within the players’ union.
He assured him of their unwavering support as he implements transformational reforms in Nigerian sports.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PFAN delegation included the Secretary-General, Edema Fuludu, as well as Clement Temile, Magaji Alhassan, and Rotimi Michaels. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
Published By
- Senior Editor
Has also recently published
Economy/BusinessJanuary 25, 2025Embrace PPP to bridge infrastructure gap, ICRC D-G urges states
Culture & TourismJanuary 23, 2025Nigeria to host World “Orisa” Congress – Official
Defence/SecurityJanuary 22, 2025U.S. Peace Institute advises on combating insurgency
Science & TechJanuary 22, 2025TY Danjuma inaugurates NAS museum, library in his honour
