Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering private sector involvement in sports as a key strategy for building a sustainable sports economy in Nigeria.
The Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, emphasized this vision during recent engagements at the 2024 Isimi Lagos Festival, held at the Isimi Lagos Wellness and Polo Country Estate on Saturday.
Hon. Olopade reiterated the immense potential of private sector partnerships to revolutionize sports infrastructure, funding, and talent development across the country.
“We are leveraging on opportunities to bring the Corporate and Private sectors to the forefront of Sports development. With the right incentives, the private sector can be a major driver of growth in sports, and this is part of the key focus of the new leadership of the NSC,” he remarked.
Witnessing the Kings Cup Polo championship at the event, the DG underscored the importance of supporting diverse sports like polo in Nigeria.
“It’s pertinent to encourage and support other sports like polo in the country. That is why I am also here in Lagos to back this tournament at the newly built resort and as well support private-sector driven initiatives, which we crave in our sector” he said.
He commended Isimi Lagos as a remarkable edifice with the potential to attract tourists both nationally and internationally, emphasizing its significance as a budding sports tourism destination.
“We must tell our stories and position ourselves as a hub for sports tourism, an area that needs more support to harness its value in Nigeria,” he added.
The festival attracted notable dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, amongst others.
