Tinubu gets thumbs up over relegation of Sports Ministry

Posted : 24 October 2024

Some sports stakeholders have lauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Sports Development and replace it with the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The president also appointed Shehu Dikko, a former vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as the chairman of the NSC.

The stakeholders, in separate interviews on Thursday, expressed hope that the decision would bring new structures and policies to bear on sports development.

Azez Oladipo, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, stated that the changes made by the presidency would help reshape sports development in the country.

He mentioned that it would provide a fresh start and a way forward in the scheme of things, especially in developing the youth by enacting programs and policies that would transform sports.

“We need to bring his (Dikko’s) wealth of experience gathered over the years to enact policies that would create a fresh start and a way forward.

“Many of the sporting federations are struggling and facing some problems that he can help to fix.

“One would appreciate this decision considering the poor performance we recorded at the last Olympic Games in Paris.

“The National Sports Commission Chairman must realize that sports can go a long way in helping Nigeria overcome the current socio-economic challenges.

“He should be prepared to use sports as a catalyst to solve problems and create more job opportunities for youths to thrive,” Oladipo said.

He added that the Rugby Football Federation was prepared to work with him to ensure a lasting solution to the challenges faced by sports and sportsmen in the country.

Also speaking, Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), expressed confidence that the changes would bring positive development.

He urged Dikko to be prepared to work with technocrats in decision-making and in changing the economy of sports in Nigeria.

“The decision to dissolve the Ministry of Sports Development and allow the National Sports Commission to take effect had always been on the cards.

“The sports commission is where many coaches, referees, and sportsmen can be developed quickly and transformed to impact sports development.

“If you look back at when we used to have the sports commission and compare it with the Ministry of Sports, you would understand the disparities in their achievements.

“We give him our full support from the boxing federation and are ready to work with him to move the nation forward and back to the good days,” Ladipo said.

Tinubu gets thumbs up over relegation of Sports Ministry

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