Why I Took Big Decision to Boost Sports Development in Nigeria – President Reveals
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained the bold decision behind reviving the long-dormant National Sports Commission (NSC), saying it was driven by his administration’s commitment to transforming sports into a dynamic tool for national development, unity, and global excellence.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games Ogun 2024, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, President Tinubu said the revival of the NSC marks a new dawn in Nigeria’s sports administration. He said the Commission, which had been inactive for nearly a decade, was restored to insulate sports from the grip of bureaucracy and the distractions of vested interests that have long impeded its growth.
“For decades, sport has placed Nigeria on the global map—not just in glory, but in grit,” Tinubu said. “From medal-winning Olympians to global football stars and heavyweight boxing champions, we’ve nurtured a tradition of excellence. But to maintain and expand that legacy, we must give sports the autonomy and focus it needs.”
He emphasized that sports in Nigeria have evolved beyond competition to become a vital part of the national identity, a mirror of unity, and a rallying point for patriotism.
“That is why, here in Nigeria, we have made sport a culture—not merely an event but a way of life,” the President said. “We want it to thrive, autonomous, innovative, and focused, because we recognise its critical place in building a healthier, stronger, and more united Nigeria.”
According to President Tinubu, reorganizing the NSC is a strategic reform aimed at harnessing the full potential of the sports sector. The move is expected to free sports development from administrative bottlenecks and empower it to become a true engine of youth empowerment and national integration.
The President’s remarks reflected a broader vision for sports as not only a source of national pride but also a viable industry.
On the Gateway Games Ogun 2024, Tinubu praised the event as more than a physical contest. He described it as a testament to his administration’s dedication to sports as a unifying force and an investment in the physical and mental development of Nigerians.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for hosting the games and transforming Ogun State into a beacon of hospitality, organization, and excellence.
“Ogun State, long known as a gateway to knowledge, industry, culture, and excellence, has today reasserted its place as a gateway to greatness,” Tinubu noted.
The President urged athletes to let the lighting of the festival torch symbolize Nigeria’s unity in diversity and renewed hope in a brighter future through sports.
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Governor Abiodun, in his welcome address, echoed the President’s belief in the power of sports to foster unity and drive socio-economic development. He described the festival as a platform to highlight the talents and resilience of Nigerian youths.
Also speaking, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the newly revived NSC, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to elevating Nigeria’s sports performance on the global stage, promising a new era of strategic planning, infrastructure development, and talent discovery.
With the revival of the NSC and renewed federal support, Nigeria appears poised to reignite its sporting legacy and unlock new opportunities for national growth.
