Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed that sustained funding and strategic support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are central to the recent progress recorded in Nigeria’s sports sector, particularly in athletics development.
Speaking on the Commission’s ongoing reforms and achievements, Hon. Olopade highlighted grassroots development and athlete welfare as the twin pillars driving a new era of growth and global competitiveness.
“The consistent funding and unwavering support from Mr. President have been a major highlight of what we are achieving today in Nigerian sports. It has enabled us to refocus, rebuild, and reposition our systems for sustainable success,” Olopade stated.
The NSC boss emphasized the Commission’s deliberate efforts to nurture young talents through structured pathways, pointing to emerging athletes such as Rosemary Nwankwo, Miracle Ezechukwu, and Jacinta Lawrence as shining examples of the future of Nigerian athletics.
“Our Invited Junior Athletes initiative has unearthed stars like Rosemary Nwankwo, Miracle Ezechukwu, and Jacinta Lawrence, who are already in the pipeline as the future. This is exactly the kind of progression we want to see from the grassroots to the elite level across all sports,” he said.
“We are opening the doors wider by organizing national trials for about 600 Nigerian athletes in the diaspora. This will give them the opportunity to participate in the National Intermediate Games and the National Sports Festival, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and positioning them to represent Nigeria on the global stage in the future.”
Hon. Olopade further noted that athletes welfare has become a defining feature of the current administration, with deliberate policies introduced to ensure athletes are adequately supported and motivated.
“Athlete welfare has been one our greatest asset in this administration. In the last six months alone, we have paid athletes grants twice. The least among our elite athletes received $5,000, while even our young athletes were supported with ₦3 million each. Beyond that, we have taken responsibility for the education of some of our brightest future stars by paying their school fees. This is the kind of system that builds confidence, loyalty, and excellence.”
The NSC DG reiterated the Commission’s commitment to building a sustainable sports ecosystem that prioritizes inclusivity, performance, and long-term national pride.
