Former Edo Deputy Governor hails NSC DG’s impact on sports in Nigeria

By Olaolu Joseph

Immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has commended the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, for his innovative leadership and commitment to revitalizing Nigerian sports within a short period.

During a visit to Hon. Olopade’s office in Abuja on Thursday, Shaibu described the DG’s appointment as a perfect fit for a position requiring industry expertise and visionary leadership.

Shaibu highlighted Hon. Olopade’s wealth of experience as a sports administrator, commending President Tinubu for making the appointment.

“I want to thank Mr. President for the domestication of sports. The National Sports Commission is the way to go because sports, globally, face minimal government interference compared to other sectors,” Shaibu said.

He emphasized the unique nature of sports management, stating, “Allowing the NSC to oversee sports administration is a significant achievement. Sports cannot be managed like other government activities due to its dynamic nature.”

Shaibu also congratulated Hon. Olopade, noting their shared vision for transforming Nigerian sports.

“We have all been in this game, and we share a passion for turning Nigerian sports around. For some of us, sports in Nigeria represent a goldmine. I’m delighted that sports is now being recognized as a business venture,” he said.

He further highlighted the immense potential of sports to address youth unemployment and boost Nigeria’s economy.

“Sports can be the next oil for Nigeria. We can take a lot of young boys and girls out of the labor market. There is a huge number we can empower through sports,” Shaibu concluded.

In response, Bukola Olopade expressed gratitude to Comrade Shaibu for his dedication to sports development in Nigeria. He affirmed that the NSC, under its current leadership, is driven by an unrelenting passion to elevate sports in the country.