The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the continuous training and retraining of staff to enhance the scientific and professional development of Nigerian sports.
Olopade made this announcement during a surprise visit to a meeting of newly appointed Federation Secretaries with the Director of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), Olumide Bamiduro.
Highlighting the gaps identified upon his appointment alongside the Commission’s Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Olopade stated, “One of the things that myself and the Chairman discovered was lacking in the Commission when we were appointed is training and retraining of staff. This is why we have challenged the various Directors to seek out quality minds within their departments for both local and international training opportunities.”
He emphasized the dynamic nature of the global sports ecosystem, stressing that continuous development is essential for the Commission to remain competitive and efficient. “The sports ecosystem we are in is very dynamic, and this is why a lot of training and retraining will happen this year to complement the productivity and efficiency of the Commission,” he added.
Olopade also charged the Federation Secretaries to align themselves with the vision and mandate of the Commission, especially under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE) campaign. “As Federation Secretaries, we are about to make history together in many ways. For the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and myself, our determination is to ensure that you are all given the impetus to drive the federations as independently as you can,” he noted.
Addressing concerns about the introduction of Chief Operating Officers (COOs) in the federations, Olopade clarified their supportive role. “I want to appeal to you all that the COOs we have introduced are not here to disturb you or usurp your job. They are here to support you, and I have no doubt that the symbiotic relationship you establish with them will only galvanize the history-making approach we all have for the Commission,” he assured.
In response, the Director of FEAD, Olumide Bamiduro, expressed gratitude for the DG’s unexpected visit, emphasizing that it reinforces the reforms being implemented within the Commission. “Your visit further re-echoes the ongoing reforms and highlights the commitment of the current leadership of the Sports Commission to achieve the sporting mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Bamiduro stated.
The meeting underscored the National Sports Commission’s dedication to fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and efficiency as it seeks to elevate Nigerian sports to new heights both locally and internationally.
