By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially revived the long-dormant National Sports Commission (NSC), marking a major policy shift aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and shielding Nigerian sports administration from vested interests. The announcement was made during the formal opening of the 22nd National Sports Festival, themed Gateway Games Ogun 2024, held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu described the revival of the NSC as a strategic move to restructure Nigeria’s sports governance framework and reaffirm its place as a catalyst for national unity, youth empowerment, and global recognition.
“For Nigeria and its citizens, sports has evolved beyond contests of physical strength; it has become the soul of our togetherness and a mirror that reflects the possibilities of a truly united nation,” the President said.
He emphasized that his administration regards sports as a vital tool for national development and has therefore chosen to free the sector from bureaucratic delays. “We want it to thrive—autonomous, innovative, and focused—because we recognize its critical place in building a healthier, stronger, and more united Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.
The decision to reinstate the NSC comes after nearly a decade of institutional dormancy, during which stakeholders repeatedly called for reforms to make Nigerian sports more competitive and efficient on the global stage.
A Nation Reconnected Through Sport
Highlighting the significance of the National Sports Festival, President Tinubu said the event is not merely a display of physical prowess but a national statement affirming Nigeria’s commitment to the spirit of sportsmanship. He praised Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for being “an exceptional host” and commended the state for showcasing the organizational excellence that the festival demands.
“Ogun State, long known as a gateway to knowledge, industry, culture, and excellence, has today reasserted its place as a gateway to greatness,” Tinubu said, stressing that the excitement generated by the festival reverberates across the nation.
He further urged participants to see the lighting of the festival’s torch as a symbol of unity across Nigeria’s diverse regions and cultures.
State Commitment and Institutional Assurances
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun noted that hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival aligns with Ogun State’s belief in sports as a unifying force and a vehicle for socio-economic growth and youth engagement.
“The endorsement of this festival by Mr. President underscores his unwavering commitment to sports development in Nigeria. Sports is not just a game here; it is a platform for empowerment and international recognition,” the governor said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, assured the public of the Commission’s readiness to reposition Nigerian sports. He expressed optimism that the festival would produce a new generation of elite athletes poised to win international accolades.
“We are determined to elevate Nigerian sports to global standards. This festival is not the end but a launchpad for greater accomplishments in the global sports arena,” Dikko asserted.
As the games unfold in Abeokuta, the revival of the National Sports Commission marks a new era for Nigerian sports—a future defined by autonomy, excellence, and an unyielding commitment to unity through athletic excellence.
