By Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has urged sports officers across the country to leverage their expertise in driving innovation and implementing modern techniques to accelerate the growth and development of Nigeria’s sports sector.
NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja during a two-day workshop themed “Striving for Excellence.” The workshop was designed to empower NSC personnel—key drivers of the Commission’s new agenda—with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to enhance productivity and service delivery across the sports ecosystem.
The training, with the theme “Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch of the Nigerian Sports Sector for Greater Performance,” aims to create a more vibrant and economically viable sports industry in the country.
Describing sports officers as the engine room of the Commission, Dikko emphasized their pivotal role in policy implementation and sectoral transformation.
“We are counting on sports officers because they are the ones translating the Commission’s policies and vision into action,” he stated.
“This gathering gives us the opportunity to engage, communicate our goals, and help them understand the direction we’re taking. Once they own the vision, they can effectively drive and implement it.”
Dikko noted that the workshop is just the beginning of a continuous development initiative.
“This won’t be a one-off training. Our plan is to institutionalize this process, ensuring that the vision and focus become part of the Commission’s culture—sustainable regardless of who is in charge.
“That way, future leaders will inherit a competent, capable workforce ready to carry the torch.”
In his goodwill message, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Habu Gumel, commended the program, calling it a valuable initiative for the capacity development of sports officers.
“This training will enhance your knowledge and performance, ultimately benefiting the entire sector.”
Also speaking, the Director of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department at the NSC, Olumide Bamiduro, noted that the initiative is part of the Commission’s broader vision to develop a thriving sports economy.
“It is essential to train our sports officers with up-to-date knowledge and global best practices, particularly at the elite level,” he said. “This is a critical step toward unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s sports economy.”
He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the workshop to advance sports development at all levels.
The Workshop continues on Wednesday with papers presentation in the morning on ‘Change Management in National Sports Federations, and Remodeling Sports Governance and Development in Nigeria’ by Barr. Musa Ahmadu and HRH Alhassan Saleh Yakmut respectively.
Lunch Break will witness session 7 and 8 with papers presentation by Dem Samuel Ogbondeminu and Mr. Olusoji Adeniran on “Keeping National Federation Compliant in the Anti-Doping Chain and Mastering Organizational Skills for Work Proficiency and Performance” respectively.
