In a bid to encourage private sector participation in the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) program, National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, held a strategic meeting with the Executive Committee and Management of MTN Nigeria in Lagos on Monday.
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The meeting, which took place at the MTN Nigeria Corporate Headquarters, aligns with one of the core objectives of the NSC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR—attracting, facilitating, and providing enablers for private sector investment, support, and sponsorship in the sports ecosystem to complement government efforts.
During the discussions, MTN presented an overview of their current sports initiatives in Nigeria, notably their sponsorship of the national football teams, the Super Eagles and Super Falcons.
They also outlined future projections, highlighting opportunities as well as potential challenges to investment in the sector.
Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed gratitude to MTN for their substantial contributions to Nigerian sports.
He updated the MTN Executive Committee on the ongoing sports reforms, the RHINSE program, and the anticipated benefits for private sector stakeholders.
“We cannot achieve these sports reforms and harness the full potential of the sports economy without the private sector. That is why we have been engaging strategically with private entities to bring them on board the RHINSE initiative.
This program is the vehicle driving Nigerian sports to a future where it significantly contributes to the nation’s GDP. MTN is a valued partner in this journey,” Dikko stated.
A mutual understanding was reached, outlining a roadmap for addressing identified challenges and enhancing MTN’s continued collaboration in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
Both parties committed to further engagements through a joint strategic interface to activate and implement this agreement, ensuring a win-win partnership between MTN, the NSC, and Nigeria’s sports structures.
MTN’s delegation at the meeting included Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo; Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka; GM Brand and Communication, Mamoke Ogoro; and Senior Manager, Sponsorship and Promotions, Osaze Ebueku.
