Dikko, Olopade steering Nigeria’s sports growth – Sunday Dare
By Olaolu Joseph
Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has expressed confidence that the future of Nigerian sports is secure under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, following the aggressive reforms underway at the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The former Minister of Youth and Sports Development stated that Nigeria now has a president who understands 21st-century sports development.
Sunday Dare, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Wasanni of Hausaland, made this remark during the inauguration of the Elite Athletes and Podium Board of the National Sports Commission.
“When you compare the sports budget now to when I was the Sports Minister, you will see that a complete revolution has taken place in Nigerian sports under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
“This is a president who understands the importance of sports development to our youthful population and the significance of sports diplomacy, where countries leverage the soft power of sports even in global organizations.”
“President Tinubu does not believe in the episodic funding of sports. He does not believe in waiting until the Olympic Games or the Commonwealth Games before seeking funds. According to him, the culture of sports development must be continuous.”
Sunday Dare also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director General, describing their combination as a game-changer for Nigerian sports.
“Sports development in Nigeria is now in good hands with Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olopade. These are men willing to take risks for the advancement of sports.”
“They bring something rare to the table—their extensive networks are massive and far-reaching, which is exactly what is needed to lead sports development in the 21st century.
“Beyond what the government can provide, we need individuals with strong connections in the corporate world, and these two men are well-equipped in that regard,” he concluded.
