Immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, has lauded the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, for his innovative ideas and commitment to revitalizing Nigerian sports in a short period.
Speaking during a visit to Hon. Olopade’s office in Abuja on Thursday, Shuaibu described the DG’s appointment as an excellent fit for a position that demands industry expertise and visionary leadership.
Bukola Olopade thanked comrade Shaibu for his dedication to sports development in Nigeria and added that the NSC under its current leadership carries an unquenchable desire to elevate sports in the country.
Philip Shuaibu stated that Hon. Bukola’s experience as a sports administrator will unlock new heights for sports, saluting President Tinubu’s appointment.
“I want to thank Mr. President for the domestication of sports. The National Sports Commission is the way to go because sports, globally, have limited government interference when compared to other sectors,” Shuaibu said.
He emphasized the unique nature of sports management, stating, “Making the NSC oversee the administration of sports is a significant achievement. Sports cannot be run like other government activities because of its dynamic nature.”
“And I am here to congratulate my brother, Hon. Olopade. We have all been in this game, and we share a passion for turning Nigerian sports around. For some of us, sports in Nigeria represent a goldmine. I’m delighted that sports is now being recognized as a business venture,” he said.
He highlighted the potential of sports to address youth unemployment and contribute immensely to Nigeria’s economy, saying, “Sports can be the next oil for Nigeria. We can take a lot of young boys and girls out of the labour market. There is a huge number we can empower through sports.”
