Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reassured Nigerian athletes of consistent and regular internal competitions as a key priority under the Renewed Hope Initiative for the Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE)—a bold mandate set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Dikko gave the assurance while officially declaring open the 6th edition of the One Service One Medal (OSOM) Games at the main bowl of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Thursday.
Emphasizing the essence of the Games, the NSC Chairman highlighted their value beyond competition. “The OSOM Games serve as a veritable tool to foster unity and camaraderie among our security agencies, while also being a breeding ground for new athletic talent,” he said.
He praised the historical role of the military and paramilitary forces in developing some of Nigeria’s finest athletes, many of whom have gone on to shine at global competitions. “We recognize and celebrate that legacy, and we believe our security agencies still have untapped potential to produce top-class athletes,” Dikko noted.
According to him, the Commission—through RHINSE—is more committed than ever to fostering a vibrant sporting ecosystem driven by regular competitions like the OSOM Games. “This is how we plan to keep our athletes engaged, discover raw talent, and transform sports from a consumption-based sector into one that produces value for the country,” he added.
Dikko described the OSOM Games as a “building block” in the Commission’s broader reform strategy for the Nigerian sports sector, expressing excitement for the six-day event and the emerging stars who will distinguish themselves.
In a forward-looking move, he also announced that the Commission is set to embark on an infrastructural revamp, starting with a total facelift of the Abuja National Stadium—especially the pitch.
“Infrastructure and athlete development go hand in hand. We are not just talking; we are committed to action,” he affirmed.
The OSOM Games bring together all security agencies—military and paramilitary alike—in a competitive yet collaborative environment. The 6th edition will run from April 24th to April 30th, 2025, and promises to showcase the strength, skill, and spirit of Nigeria’s service personnel in sports.
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