On October 23, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mallam Shehu Dikko, as chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), tasking him with revitalising the Nigerian sports sector.
Soon after he was appointed, Dikko paid courtesy visits to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and a few other close associates.
When he was done with the visits which many considered as a ‘thank you’ tour, Dikko officially resumed duties at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on October 30, 2024, after the immediate past Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, handed over the sports sector to him.
As he settles into his new role, Dikko’s office at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, and his private residence, have become a hub of activities, as sports stakeholders have continued to troop in to seek collaboration, and possibly scoop favours.
Following these visits, Weekend Trust highlights the discussions from the ‘August’ visitors as well as the responses, promises made by Dikko.
National University Games Association (NUGA)
The president of NUGA, Bawa Muhammed, expressed confidence in Dikko’s leadership, given his experience and background as a grounded sports administrator. Bawa added that NUGA has huge confidence in his abilities and shares in his vision to grow sports and the sports economy.
Dikko: “The NUGA Games is a tournament that every student wants to be a part of,” he said. “NUGA is key to sustainable sports development, and we need to collaborate to ensure that talents emerge from these games.
“With the right facilities and coaching, we can cultivate young talents that will naturally bring medals and achievements for Nigeria. It’s not just about tournaments but about real development. We need to work with NUGA, collaborate with education ministries, and help us build sports programmes within schools.”
NPFL Club Owners Forum
NPFL Club Owners Chairman, and General Manager of Rivers United, Okey Kpalukwu, advised that the NSC should prioritise sports infrastructure and grassroots development programmes.
In his response, Dikko said: “What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy. Now that we’re in the driver’s seat, we have no excuse anymore not to bring growth. All the plans we’ve discussed over the years on paper —this is the time to take action and make them a reality. We all need to be on deck for the growth of sports in Nigeria. What happens with the league and how we ensure it works effectively will be instrumental in building a viable sports economy.
Super Eagles stars, Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi
Musa: “I’m here to support the efforts of our NSC boss, Shehu Dikko, and wish him the very best,” Musa said. “I believe Dikko will lead sports in the right direction, and I am here on behalf of myself and the entire Super Eagles to pledge my loyalty and support to him.”
Dikko responded by saying: “Ahmed Musa’s and indeed the Super Eagles players’ support is invaluable as we look to transform Nigerian sports. Our goal is to develop a system that values our athletes and sets a clear path for sports to thrive. Having distinguished players like Musa engaged in this process is key to achieving that.”
Nigeria Association for Physical Health Education, Recreation, Sports, and Dance
NAPHER-SD president Professor Florence Bola Adeyanju, expressed the association’s readiness to support the NSC and contribute to the success of the administration.
She highlighted NAPHER-SD’s expertise in areas such as sports outreach programs, sports education, research and evaluation, policy development, and review as valuable assets for advancing sports in Nigeria.
Dikko: “Your postulations to us are apt and captures almost the vision and objectives of the NSC and what we aim to drive,” he said, adding that the association’s work “demonstrates the strategic importance of what NAPHER-SD can offer the sports ecosystem.”
“This administration has a clear mandate of where we want to be. We want to not only develop sports but also create an economic impact that fosters a value chain that is beneficial to our people and the nation.”
Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Chris Musa
Gen Musa said: “Sports is not just about competition; it impacts national security by engaging youths, harnessing their talents, and offering paths to a better life. We know the importance of sports to Nigeria and Nigerians. Growing up, a lot of us participated in different National Sports Festivals – I represented Sokoto State at the Kada 83’ and Kwara 85’ Games. We know how sports affect health and its implication on national security. It’s an avenue to tap from the talents of the youths and empower them for greatness.”
In his response, Dikko said: “When I was chairman of the LMC, at one point, we were deliberate about taking football back to Maiduguri after years of insecurity challenges. We worked with the then Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as well as the security agencies and we had league football return to Maiduguri. We’re honoured to have you, and we will give our best to the All-African Military Games. Our expertise and technical support from relevant federations will ensure the games are a success. We will also provide any contextual logistics you may need. We understand sports’ power to foster national unity and economic progress.”
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
The AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Dikko, noting the value of having “one of our own” leading the NSC.
“For the first time in a while, we have someone who understands our language. We welcome you to the sports sector; you’re the best thing that has happened to Nigerian sports in a long time. When he handled our league, we saw the results. If he brings that same energy and zeal to this office, the sky is our limit. We know you’re a listener and that you will do what’s needed to succeed.”
On his part, Dikko said: “There’s respect for everyone in the structure that we’re building. We’re here to talk about progress and how to make our sports stronger, motivating athletes to perform at their best both locally and internationally.
“We will support all federations because your success is our success; and if you fail, we fail. We’re focused solely on progressive actions. We want to see programmes, objectives, and a clear vision so we can align and move forward as a united front.”
National Institute for Sports, Lagos (NIS)
The Director General of NIS, Professor Olawale Moronkola congratulated the Chairman whom he described as a tested sport administrator. He said based on Malam Shehu Dikko’s experience, knowledge and expertise, he would take sports to a new direction .The DG assured that things would change for the better for sports under Dikko.
Responding, Dikko said: “I’m glad to have you on this visit. It is important to acknowledge that under your impactful leadership, we are having a better NIS. Nevertheless, we are looking forward to having the NIS play a very important role in the new direction we are charting for our sports.
“We shall give all needed support to the NIS to strategically play its statutory roles towards the accomplishment of our plans for a new course for our sports that needs better coaches and sports administrators”
Super Eagles legend and Enyimba chairman, Kanu Nwankwo
The legendary Kanu said: “We’re congratulating you, Dikko, and Nigerians are happy with your appointment. We’re confident we’ll see progress. A sports legend who cannot give back to the nation or society cannot be called a true legend. On behalf of Super Eagles legends, I assure you of our 150% support for your vision. We want to build on the progress we’ve made.
Dikko also said: “It’s time to change the narrative on the continent for every sport, not only football – we can’t sit back. For teams different in sports that qualify for continental competitions, they should be provided with more robust technical, logistical, and possibly financial support from the Commission and their federations, as their success will bring glory to the entire nation. We want to turn the page.”
In view of the above, Dikko’s office has been buzzing with visitors and there is no indication that the courtesy calls will end any time soon. Even as many would frown at the visits as distractions, it provides the opportunities for Nigerians to peep into the mind of the marketing expert as he leads the sports sector.
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