Elite league can drive Nigeria’s sports economy — Dikko

By Tosin Omojola

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has asserted that Nigeria’s elite football league holds significant potential to drive the country’s sports economy.

He made the remark while addressing a delegation of NPFL Club Owners who paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.

“What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy,” Dikko stated, highlighting football’s capacity to powerfully contribute to this vision.

Dikko, who previously served as Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) overseeing the Nigerian Professional Football League, warmly welcomed the delegation, describing them as “a family” and part of his primary constituency.

Expressing his pleasure over the visit, Dikko emphasized the importance of unity and shared responsibility in the development of Nigerian sports, particularly the football league.

“Now that we’re in the driver’s seat, we have no excuse not to bring growth,” he noted. “All the plans we’ve discussed over the years on paper — this is the time to take action and make them a reality. We all need to be on deck for the growth of sports in Nigeria.”

Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu, Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners Forum, congratulated Dikko on his well-deserved appointment and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fitting choice in leadership. He advised the NSC to prioritize sports infrastructure and grassroots development programs.

Former Commissioner of Sports for Gombe State, Mallam Farouk Yarma, expressed his gratitude to the NPFL Club Owners, underscoring the need for collective efforts to ensure all-encompassing growth in the sports industry.

The club owners’ delegation included prominent figures such as Dr. Okechukwu Kpalukwu (Chairman, Rivers United), who chairs the NPFL Club Owners Forum, and Secretary Barr. Amobi Ezeaku (Chairman, Enugu Rangers).

Other members of the NPFL delegation included Mr. Habila Hosea Mutla (Vice Chairman, North), Hon. Olaniyan Babatunde (Board Member, South West), Mr. Solomon Babanjah (Chairman, Nasarawa United), Mr. Kumbi Titiloye (Board Member, NPFL), Mr. Bashir Badawir (General Manager, Kwara United), and Mr. Dominic Iorfa (Board of Trustee Member).