On Friday, January 31, 2025, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), stood proudly as a Special Guest at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Armed Forces Invictus Centre in Giri, Abuja.
Read Also: Remo Stars Secure 4th Away Win Of The Season With 2-1 Victory Over Sunshine Stars
His presence at the event underscored not just his solidarity with Nigeria’s Armed Forces but also his commitment to advancing sports development and rehabilitation infrastructure across the nation.
Dikko was joined by distinguished personalities, including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (CON), and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General CG Musa.
The event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to provide a world-class facility dedicated to the rehabilitation, fitness, and psychological recovery of wounded, injured, and sick officers, soldiers, and veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Dikko’s Vision: A Facility Beyond the Armed Forces
As Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Dikko saw the Invictus Centre not just as a military facility but as a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s sports landscape. The center’s comprehensive design, which includes recreational, sporting, training, and fitness facilities, resonated deeply with his mission to create sustainable structures for sports excellence in Nigeria.
“I am quite excited about the facilities proposed for this project,” Dikko remarked during the ceremony. “Beyond serving our armed forces, this center can also become a hub for Nigeria’s elite para-athletes, providing them with a world-class environment for training and preparation. This will be a valuable addition to Nigeria’s sporting and medical infrastructure.”
A Comprehensive Facility for Rehabilitation and Sports Development
The Invictus Centre will feature a wide range of facilities designed to meet both rehabilitation and high-performance needs, including:
Recreational, Sporting, Training, and Fitness facilities
Advanced healthcare facilities for physical and psychological recovery
Residential areas for long-term rehabilitation
Healing and reflection spaces to support mental well-being
Community and social spaces for reintegration and support
Support facilities for holistic athlete and veteran development
For Dikko, this facility aligns with the NSC’s broader objectives of not just discovering talent but also ensuring the welfare and continuous development of athletes, especially those transitioning out of competitive sports.
A Shared Commitment with Defence Leadership
Dikko’s close collaboration with Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and CDS General CG Musa reflects a shared vision of national development through strategic infrastructure projects. Praising General Musa’s leadership, Dikko noted:
“I must congratulate my friend and brother, General CG Musa, for the foresight to initiate this brilliant, game-changing project. The fact that it is largely funded through private partnerships speaks volumes about the power of leadership and vision in attracting the right support.”
Anticipating a World-Class Facility in 18 Months
With the project’s completion targeted within 18 months, Dikko expressed his anticipation for the Invictus Centre’s role in transforming both military rehabilitation and elite sports preparation in Nigeria.
“I earnestly look forward to the completion of this unique, world-class facility. It will serve as a beacon of hope and excellence, not just for our brave soldiers but for Nigeria’s entire sporting ecosystem.”
As the groundbreaking ceremony concluded, Mallam Shehu Dikko’s presence was more than ceremonial—it was a reaffirmation of his dedication to building sustainable sports structures, fostering athlete development, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the nation’s health, resilience, and pride.
, stood proudly){kind=link}