NSC tasks Nigeria’s Elite Athletes Board on podium performances

By Olaolu Joseph
The newly inaugurated Elite Athletes and Podium Board has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring a sustainable, scientific system for sports excellence in Nigeria.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, inaugurated the board yesterday in Abuja, urging its members to focus on athlete discovery and welfare to enhance podium performances.
Mallam Dikko noted that the board, led by ex-international Yusuf Ali as CEO, was established to resolve longstanding challenges affecting Nigerian athletes and their performances at major international competitions.
“For the first time in Nigerian sports, we have created an annual budget line for all our major international competitions, such as the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.
“We are calling this a board, not a committee, because a committee is temporary, but we want this to be a structural process that will outlive us all.
“As the Sports Act is being reviewed, this board is among the new initiatives that will be legally backed. This is why we also have a budget line to fund it. The funding might not be sufficient, but it shows the government’s direction and will encourage private-sector participation,” Dikko explained.
Director-General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, stated that the board has been given a clear mandate to identify Nigeria’s priority sports and support others to achieve enhanced performance.
“The Elite Athletes Board has also been tasked with determining appropriate incentives for optimal athlete performance, as well as providing life-after-sports coaching for elite athletes.
“This board will also conduct feasibility studies for high-performance and athlete development centers, while recommending appropriate professionals and remuneration structures,” Olopade said.
In his remarks, CEO Yusuf Ali assured that the board members were committed to delivering on their mandate. He expressed gratitude to the NSC leadership for entrusting them with the responsibility.
Board Members
The board includes:
- Prof. Ken Anugweje (Adviser)
- Olumide Bamiduro (Secretary)
- Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa
- Salihu Abubakar
- Aku Aghazu
- Tunde Adelakun
- Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi
- Mary Onyali
- Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi
- Sunday Odebode
- Olalekan Alabi
- Otunba Sylvester Ikuejamoye (NAPHER-SD Representative)
- Olumide Oyedeji (Nigeria Olympic Committee Representative)
- Isa Suleiman (PCN Representative)
- Mrs. Opara Tecla
- Adebimpe Adewale
- Shagaya Abdulmumeen
The board is expected to commence operations immediately, driving Nigeria’s push for excellence in global sports competitions.