Joel Ajayi
As the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) intensifies efforts to promote inclusivity and development, with renewed focus on para-athlete participation and performance, its leadership has called for unity and collective responsibility among stakeholders.
The President of the federation, Mohammed Sagir Shettima, made the call on Wednesday night in Abuja while hosting board members, coaches, and officials to a special dinner following the conclusion of shooting events at the ongoing 3rd National Para Games.
He urged stakeholders to demonstrate total commitment and take ownership of the federation’s growth.
“Let all hands be on deck to rebuild this federation. Every one of us has something to offer. Together, we have what it takes to grow shooting sports in Nigeria,” he said.
The NSSF President emphasized the need to uphold the core values of unity, discipline, and accuracy, while calling for full cooperation as the federation embarks on key reforms.
“We are introducing some radical changes that will benefit everyone. We need your full support to achieve a stronger and more effective federation,” he added.
As part of ongoing reforms, Shettima disclosed plans to institutionalize regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to enhance transparency and performance across the federation.
On athlete welfare, he revealed that new measures would be introduced to safeguard both the mental and physical well-being of shooters, including mandatory psychiatric evaluations to be conducted under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.
Reiterating his vision, the President noted that past challenges—especially in athlete welfare—are being addressed, as the federation works towards building a more structured and supportive system.
He also highlighted the importance of informal engagement, explaining that the dinner was designed not only for official interactions but also to strengthen relationships and foster better understanding among stakeholders.
Shettima concluded by encouraging continuous dialogue and collaboration, expressing confidence that unity and shared commitment would drive the federation to greater heights.
Also speaking, the Second Vice President of the NSSF and Para-Sports Representative on the board, Abubakar Aliyu, described the just-concluded para shooting events at the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja as the most impressive in recent years.
“We have just concluded the third edition of the National Para Games here in Abuja, and the testimonies from participants have been very encouraging. For me, this is the best Para Games in shooting so far,” he said.
Aliyu attributed the success of the competition to the federation’s new leadership direction, noting that recent reforms have revitalized interest in shooting sports nationwide.
According to him, the renovation and upgrade of facilities—particularly the shooting range—have significantly enhanced both the quality of competition and the overall experience for athletes.
“The transformation we are seeing today is a result of the new leadership of the federation. The improved environment has made the sport more attractive to athletes across the country,” he added.
