Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has called for collaborative efforts among governments, sports organisations, and local communities to fully harness the potential of sports as a tool for development.
He made the call during a presentation as a distinguished panelist at the Interregional African Ministerial Meeting held in Banjul, The Gambia, from January 21 to 23, 2025.
The high-level forum, which brought together key stakeholders and policy makers across Africa and beyond, focused on fostering inter-regional cooperation to enhance sports governance, values, and integrity.
It was also meant to deliberate on the role of sports in driving socio-economic development, fostering social cohesion, and promoting peace.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, NSC, Mrs Kehinde Ajayi, said in a press release Wednesday: “Dikko contributed his wealth of knowledge and experience during Session 2, which focused on the theme: ‘Leveraging Sports for Socio-Economic Development, Social Cohesion, and Peace’.”
In his presentation, he underscored the transformative power of sports in society and highlighted how sports can go beyond promoting physical well-being to act as a catalyst for economic growth, social integration, and unity.
He also emphasised its potential to foster peace, particularly in regions grappling with conflict and social instability.
He shared examples of successful programmes spearheaded by the NSC in Nigeria, such as the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival, which have contributed to nurturing young talent and fostering national unity.
According to Mrs Ajayi, “His participation in the Interregional African Ministerial Meeting not only highlighted the strides being made by Nigeria in sports development but also positioned the country as a leading advocate for the use of sports in achieving socio-economic progress and peace-building across Africa.
“Dikko’s active engagement and impactful contributions during the meeting.
“His presence served as a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to utilizing sports as a vehicle for positive change and sustainable development.”
She added that Nigeria’s participation in this high-level ministerial meeting is a proud moment for Nigeria and underscores the NSC’s unwavering commitment to transforming the nation’s sports landscape.
“The Commission remains dedicated to supporting initiatives and programs that align with its mission to promote sports for development, unity, and peace,” she said.
