By Aderonke Ojo
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that para-athletes in Nigeria receive the necessary support to thrive.
Dikko made this known at the closing of the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja, describing the event as a celebration of resilience, inclusion and national unity.
“Our para-athletes have consistently brought honour to Nigeria on the global stage. They deserve a system that matches their dedication with the right level of support, investment and recognition,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the games and congratulated participating athletes for their outstanding performances, noting that their courage, discipline and resilience have inspired the nation.
The NSC chairman emphasised that the games were not only about winning medals, but also about promoting dignity, inclusion, visibility and the transformative power of sports.
“To those who have won medals, your success is well deserved. To those who may not be leaving with medals, your efforts, courage and participation are equally valued.
“You have all represented Nigeria with honour,” he added.
Dikko commended the contributions of families, coaches, technical officials and support teams, whose dedication, he said, played a critical role in the success of both the athletes and the games.
He reiterated that the National Para Games had reinforced a clear national message that every Nigerian matters, every talent matters and no one should be left behind.
The chairman also highlighted ongoing reforms in the sports sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the reforms include restructuring sports funding to ensure improved budgeting, timely releases and prioritisation of funding to enhance athletes’ preparation and participation.
He added that approval had also been granted for the establishment of a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond aimed at revitalising and expanding sports facilities across the country.
Dikko noted that the reforms were already yielding results, with the sports sector contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and generating over 200,000 jobs in 2025.
He stressed that para-sports remain a central component of the commission’s development strategy and assured stakeholders of sustained efforts to build a more inclusive and vibrant sports culture.
The NSC chairman also paid tribute to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her support for inclusion and the wellbeing of Nigerians, and acknowledged the presence of Nana Shettima, who represented her at the event.
In a related development, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, represented by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lekan Abari, described the games as a historic and unifying moment for the country.
He said that over the eight-day competition, athletes from the six geo-sports zones demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience and unity, underscoring the power of sports to bridge ethnic and religious divides.
Olopade noted that the National Para Games had continued to serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing talents, expressing optimism that many of the athletes would represent Nigeria at international competitions in the future.
He congratulated the overall winners and all participants, including athletes, coaches, officials and organisers, for their contributions to the success of the games, while urging athletes to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship in both victory and defeat.
Olopade commended state governments for supporting participation despite economic challenges, noting that sports remained a key driver of economic activities, infrastructure development and community growth.
He announced that the commission had opened the bidding process for the hosting of the 4th National Para Games in 2027, inviting states and the Federal Capital Territory to submit expressions of interest.
The D-G reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the continued development of para-sports in Nigeria and congratulated all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the 2026 Games.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
