Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has promised to support the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in its mission to discover and nurture grassroots talent.
While receiving the Olabisi Joseph-led NSSF in his office in Abuja, Dikko expressed his admiration for the federation’s initiatives and assured the body of the Federal Government’s backing to help implement their programmes nationwide. He emphasised the importance of school sports in developing a robust sports economy, as directed by the President.
“The development of school sports is crucial,” Dikko stated. “We have been tasked with creating a sports economy, and this begins at the grassroots level where talent is first identified. Without a strong foundation, elite sports development is unsustainable.”
He added: “We plan to establish a comprehensive structure for school sports development in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Education. We will support talented students through scholarships for international studies and work closely with their parents. We are aligned in our goals and would appreciate a formal presentation of your programs to see how we can integrate them with our initiatives.”
In her remarks, the NSSF President congratulated Dikko on his appointment and requested technical support from the NSC to ensure national sports federations actively scout for talent during their activities.
Joseph said: “On behalf of the NSSF, I extend our heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as Chairman of the NSC.
“Your dedication to sports development in Nigeria is a beacon of hope for our future athletes. The NSSF has been at the forefront of promoting grassroots sports through schools, recognizing that nurturing young talent is the foundation of any great sports nation.”
She told the NSC boss that the NSSF leadership came to explore collaboration opportunities between the bodies.
“Our shared vision for youth empowerment and sports excellence requires a united effort. We are confident that, under your leadership, we can build a stronger, more dynamic sports ecosystem. We pledge our unwavering support and commitment to the NSC’s vision and objectives. Together, we can elevate Nigerian sports to new heights and create a lasting legacy for future generations,” she said.
