The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced the establishment of its Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board, aimed at creating a sustainable system for Nigeria’s elite athletes and ensuring their welfare. Former Nigerian international Yusuf Ali has been appointed as the board’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who highlighted the board’s mandate to professionally manage athletes’ welfare and training grants.
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The 13-member committee includes notable experts from various sectors of sports development. Among them are Mr. Bambo Akanni of Making of Champions, who will serve as a consultant and member, and Prof. Ken Anugweje, who will act as an adviser and member. Other members include Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun, and Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi.
Also on the board are former Olympian Mary Onyali, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, Sunday Odebode, and Olalekan Alabi, while Bamiduro Olumide has been appointed as Secretary.
Hon. Olopade emphasized the board’s significance, saying:
“All the members of the committee were carefully selected for their expertise and wealth of experience to help ensure Nigeria has sustainable podium success at international competitions with a scientific reward system.”
He also noted that the initiative, under the chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko, reflects the Commission’s commitment to addressing athletes’ welfare and training with professionalism.
“What we have done now is to ensure that there is a sustainable system that will empower potential athletes to be on the podium for the country. This is one of many initiatives the Commission will be rolling out under the Renewed Hope Initiative for the Nigerian sports economy,” he added.
The newly constituted board marks a significant step towards a comprehensive and structured approach to elite athlete development in Nigeria.
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