NSC to partner NWF in developing weightlifting – Dikko
By Olaolu Joseph
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko, has disclosed the commission’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) in advancing the sport in the country.
Dikko made this statement while addressing journalists at the inaugural Engr. Habu Gumel National Open Weightlifting Championship, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The three-day competition, which commenced on Sunday, December 1, and concluded on Tuesday, December 3, brought together athletes from across Nigeria to showcase their talents.
Speaking with journalists on the closing day of the championship, Alhaji Dikko commended the NWF for its efforts to develop weightlifting in the country. He emphasized the NSC’s readiness to collaborate with the federation to achieve its objectives.
“We at the NSC will do our best to partner with you to ensure success. If the federations succeed, we succeed, so we will do all we can to support you. Hopefully, we can make the next edition of this tournament much bigger,” he said.
Dikko also highlighted the potential of weightlifting as a sport where Nigeria has a competitive advantage. He stressed the importance of grassroots development to ensure a steady supply of young talents to replace aging athletes.
“Weightlifting is a sport where we have a comparative advantage. We will do everything possible to enhance our chances in this sport. Grassroots development is key because we need a continuous pipeline of talent. We will do all we can to support you,” he added.
Expressing optimism about the future of the sport, Dikko expressed confidence that athletes who performed exceptionally at the championship would represent Nigeria at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
“By 2028, I hope to see some of these weightlifters achieving great things at the Olympics,” he concluded.
The Engr. Habu Gumel National Open Weightlifting Championship, hosted at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, under the leadership of Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, to revitalizing weightlifting and making it a vibrant sport in the country.
