By Uzor Odigbo
The AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has praised President Bola Tinubu for re-introducing the National Sports Commission as the all purpose vehicle to drive the development and growth in the Sports sector.
The AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, in a statement on Thursday, thanked President Tinubu for taking this bold and decisive decision to bring back the National Sports Commission who’s history of success dates back to pre-independent years.
“My President, the sporting fraternity in Nigeria and the rest of the world will forever remember this bold statement you have made with the National Sports Commission for good, and Nigeria sport with surely flourish in leaps and bounds in the years to come,” Chief Okowa said.
The AFN Boss, a seasoned sports administrator, believes that President Tinubu will provide the much needed financial support and create the conducive environment for the Sports Commission to operate effectively.
“The President means well for the youths of this great country, that explains why he brought back the NSC and appointed a sports technocrat to add some professionalism to sports.
“Youths are the back bone of any economy and President Tinubu is doing just that with this move,” the Delta State born Vice President of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) said.
Okowa went on to hail the President’s choice of Mallam Shehu Dikko as the man to navigate Nigeria Sports into global reckoning.
“Shehu Dikko a consummate Sports administrator’s appointment is a round peg in a round hole and it’s befitting. Dikko will bring some fresh thinking and drive into sports development in Nigeria.
His vast experience will help put Nigeria sports on track,” the former chairman of Delta State Sports Commission stated.
“Your wealth of knowledge in administration coupled with your marketing expertise will go a long way in driving sports in Nigeria ” he added.
“On behalf of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the athletics family in the country and beyond, I heartily rejoice with the astute administrator who is also a marketing expert on this appointment and I believe you have the knowledge, understanding and experience to make the National Sports Commission work in Nigeria.
Dikko served as chairman of various committees in the NFF, including marketing and sponsorship. He was a member of the CAF Inter-Clubs Committee and still a member of the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee.
