NSC boss pledges stakeholders’ inclusiveness in sports administration
By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has expressed the commissions’ commitment to the development of a vibrant sports economy in the country, in collaboration with stakeholders.
Dikko stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN).
He maintained that no critical stakeholder would be left behind in the pursuit of the commission’s vision.
According to him, the sports economy mandate is from President Bola Tinubu, and he has also instructed us to take sports development down to the grassroots.
“That is why he appointed a senior special assistant on grassroots sports development that works with us here in the commission.
“These mandates can only be actualised with the full involvement of all stakeholders.
“Forging an all-encompassing synergy with strategic stakeholders in the sports industry is also important.
“We don’t close our doors to stakeholders, it’s in such meetings we get suggestions that guide the steps we take.
“No crucial stakeholder will be left behind. All we need from you is to come to us just as you people have done.
“It is not necessary to run to the media when you can talk to us. We are open to further engagements to cross-fertilise ideas,” Dikko said.
He promised to revisit the former administration’s promise to include the group in the board of the sports federations.
The NSC boss also highlighted the immense contributions of women athletes in the nation’s sporting exploits.
According to him, women have always been our collaborators in winning medals and laurels in sports.
“We had agreed with the olympians that ex-internationals have to be part of our teams to major games.
“There are also plans to strengthen the commission’s zonal offices for efficient service delivery. The zones will be like the mini sports commissions, and
“We are going to have federal sports commissioners in the zones and we will task them on bringing talents from the zones. There is already provision for zonal offices in our budget.
“We are setting up the centers of excellence down to the local government areas, states and zones,” he explained.
Earlier, the AFFAN President, Toyin Aluko, commended Dikko for efforts to reposition the sports sector, while pledging the association’s support.
Aluko, a former athlete, expressed the association’s goal of becoming more visible to inspire young female athletes.
“I want to assure the NSC chairman that AFFAN is fully committed to the success of sports in Nigeria.
“The association is made up of retired female athletes who have brought glory to Nigeria during their active careers,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi