NSC DG Olopade reveals President Tinubu’s commitment to special athletes

By Olaolu Joseph

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has revealed that addressing the plight of the country’s special athletes is a key priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the revamped NSC.

Olopade made this statement over the weekend at the final of the first edition of the Elite Wheelchair Basketball Championship, held at the National Stadium in Lagos.

He emphasized that every sport will receive the necessary attention from the NSC, noting that the President’s mandate to the commission is to build a sustainable sports economy by maximizing the potential of all sports.

“I must state that myself and the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, are fully committed to ensuring that athletes in wheelchair basketball, like those in other parasports, feel the impact of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” Olopade said.

He continued, “This is why events like this, no matter how small they may seem, will always be appreciated and supported by the Commission.”

Olopade also praised the progress made in wheelchair basketball, highlighting its growth over the years, particularly since his time as president of the sport.

“I am very happy with the strides we are witnessing in wheelchair basketball, and it has continued to grow.”

The former Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State further commended the event organizers, Musibau and his wife, both captains of the Nigerian wheelchair basketball team now playing in France.

“For them to return home and organize this event shows just how much the sport has continued to grow in the country,” he said.

In the tournament’s final, Ogun State emerged victorious after defeating Oyo State in an exciting match. Lagos State secured third place by defeating Kwara State.