World News Update

PRESS STATEMENT- Former Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Amos Adamu, has expressed confidence in the capabilities of the NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the new leadership team to transform Nigeria's sports sector. Dr. Adamu, who played a key role in the successful organization of the 2003 COJA All-Africa Games in Abuja, paid a visit to Dikko on Friday to offer his congratulations and share insights.  Shehu Dikko expressed his gratitude for the visit and acknowledged Dr. Adamu’s long-standing contributions to Nigerian sports. Dikko emphasized the importance of learning from Adamu’s wealth of experience to further the commission’s strategic goals.   “Dr. Adamu is a veteran administrator whose experience in sports development is invaluable. Nigerian sports can benefit greatly from his insights and experience as we work to transform the sector,” Dikko stated.   During the visit, Adamu praised Dikko’s leadership skills and vision, s...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has stated that the Association of Nigeria Women in Sports (NAWIS) has an integral role to play in the Nigerian sports industry, especially as this new administration champions a fresh operating framework for the NSC.   The DG stated this during a courtesy visit by the NAWIS executive team, led by its President, Professor Mariam Suleiman, to his office, on Friday. "I have always fought for NAWIS over the last 21 years because I believe the Association plays a significant role of mentorship in our Sports.” " I even strongly believe NAWIS deserves yearly National Awards and all those involved in girl child advocacy must recognise the role NAWIS plays in the larger society". He further emphasized the importance of NAWIS in the overall growth of sports in Nigeria, promising to ensure that NAWIS becomes part of the new NSC framework. "This is a body that is very essential for sports growth...

Nigeria’s men’s cricket team has emerged victorious in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C, defeating Botswana in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash on Thursday to seal their spot.   Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, was on hand to support the team at the event, as he hailed the cricket family. Speaking after the victory, he praised the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) and its president, Uyi Akpata, for their transformative efforts in advancing the sport in Nigeria.   “I’m extremely proud, not just of the victory recorded today, but also of what my senior brother, Uyi Akpata, and his team have achieved with the Nigerian Cricket Federation," Olopade said.  "When you look at this Oval and hear the story of how it became an ICC-standard facility, you marvel at the effort and passion they’ve put in. This aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of bringing the private sector on board to drive sports d...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has reiterated the new transformative vision of the Commission during his meeting with the Directors and Heads of Departments of the Commission. The interactive sessions allowed senior officials to introduce themselves to the new DG, who emphasized the importance of strategic, standardized and scientific approach to the Commission's operations, including the conduct of Sports Federation Elections. In his remarks, Olopade stressed the need for reforms that would attract top administrators to vie for leadership roles within Nigeria's Sports Federations. "There is no way we can't be looking at having top industry CEOs on board in our Sports Federations," he stated. The DG also highlighted the Commission's mandate to elevate the Corporate image of various Sports in Nigeria.  He reemphasized the NSC's commitment to reviving key initiatives such as the National Sports Industry Pol...

Haruna Yakubu Haruna The President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has created more than 240,000 direct jobs by building the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for which it has so far launched 10 MSME hubs. Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Media, Sunday Dare revealed this in a series of tweets on his X account with which he launched a platform, “Tinubu Reforms Tracker (TRT)”. TRT in 13 sectoral areas focuses on gains, expected outcomes, and impacts. Each of the government’s ongoing initiatives is examined for its potential, and results in immediate, short-term, mid-term and long-term gains. Dare said “The Reforms Introduced by President Tinubu cover several critical areas. Some of them have started bearing fruits progressively. Under the Tinubu Reforms Tracker, TRT, selected sectors will be examined and the progress made in terms of initial impact revealed. President Tinubu is committed to delivering on these reforms in time for the...

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, on Tuesday held a meeting with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in Abuja to discuss petinent issues within the sports ecosystem. The meeting focused on several strategic areas crucial to the future of sports in the country:   During the meeting, Dikko reiterated the peculiar need for a robust legal framework to guide the sports sector in Nigeria, especially as it needs to reflect the new dimension of sports development, as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Discussions centered on the the drafting and enacting process of legislations to formalize the sports economy, ensuring clear policies for governance, regulation, and investment.  The framework is expected to attract private sector participation, enhance transparency, and define roles for stakeholders, creating a well-structured and thriving industry.   Dikko and the NOC also emphasized the importance of  having world-class spo...

The Special Adviser to the President (Media and Public Communications), Chief Sunday Dare CON FNIS, was at the 'NIGHT OF HONOUR': Renewed Hope Awards and Dinner, held at the Presidential Villa on Saturday, November 23rd 2024. The event witnessed the launching of a book titled, "The Architect of Renewal, The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story". The program, organized to honour President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, highlighted the transformative vision and commitment of the President to renewing the hope of Nigerians, with his bold initiatives, driving the Nation's growth and development.

Orseer Ikyaator, President of Gboko City Chiefs basketball team of Benue state has congratulated Shehu Dikko on his appointment as Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC).  Ikyaator told pressmen in an interview in Abuja during the awards and gala night of Gboko City Chiefs Basketball team, who emerged third best team at the recently concluded Nigeria Premier Basketball League. Ikyaator praised Dikko's leadership and expertise, expressing excitement about the impact he will have on sports development in Nigeria. “ I congratulate with Dikko on his appointment, recognizing his potential to drive positive change in Nigeria's sports sector .  “ I praised the DG of NSC, Bukola Olopade, as a trusted and hardworking individual.  “ Under  Dikko’s leadership, the NSC is expected to play a crucial role in promoting sports development and empowering young athletes in Nigeria,” he said. He emphasized that the Gboko City Chiefs basketball are open to partnering with the ...

The Orseer Ikyaator Foundation was officially unveiled during the Gboko City Chiefs Basketball Awards Night, a momentous occasion that underscored its mission to promote sports development and empower young people across Nigeria. Established by Orseer Ikyaator, President of the Gboko City Chiefs Basketball Team in Benue State, the foundation aims to provide young individuals with opportunities to hone their skills, boost their confidence, and become positive role models within their communities. Speaking at the event, Ikyaator highlighted the transformative power of sports and the foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and athletes. “We believe sports have the power to transform lives and communities. Through the Orseer Ikyaator Foundation, we want to provide young people with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed,” he said. He further noted the foundation’s impact through programs and initiatives that offer young athletes access to...

-By Ogo Clarkson  The management and staff of Topsportsafrik, led by CEO Ogo Clarkson, extend their warmest congratulations to veteran sports journalist, Kola Daniel, on his well-deserved appointment as Special Assistant to the new Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola. Kola Daniel, a brilliant and accomplished sports journalist, has proven himself to be an exemplary model of what a modern journalist should be. His wealth of experience, professionalism, and dedication to the craft have earned him numerous accolades and respect from his peers. As a former Media Aide to the former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, Kola Daniel has demonstrated his ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments, providing exceptional media support and guidance. His new role as Special Assistant to the DG of NSC is a testament to his hard work, expertise, and commitment to promoting sports development in Nigeria. We have no doubt that he will bring his signature exce...

The recent declaration by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to back a Northern presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections due to dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu's economic policies did not surprise many Nigerians. The ACF, once a respected voice for the North, has become a shadow of its former self,  mere mouthpiece for a select few, rather than representing the entire region. Its leadership is often criticized for being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Northerners, prioritizing their own power and influence over addressing critical regional issues. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Elrufai previously criticized the ACF as a self-centered group lacking credibility and influence in elections, with members who have never experienced electoral success. Despite their lack of electoral influence, the ACF continues to push divisive agendas and promote parochial interests, rather than fostering unity and progress. ACF reminds one of the pan...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has extended his congratulations to the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on his election as the 1st Vice President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) B Zone.   Olopade lauded Gusau’s leadership qualities and football expertise, expressing confidence that his election will bring significant benefits to the regional football body.   “Gusau’s vast experience and commitment to football development will undoubtedly add value to WAFU B and enhance the growth of football across the member nations,” Olopade said.   The election took place on Friday in Niamey, Niger Republic, during the WAFU B 17th Ordinary General Assembly. The WAFU B Zone comprises seven West African nations, including Nigeria, Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Côte d'Ivoire.   Hon. Bukola stated that the NSC will provide al...

_Ogun State set to deliver sporting spectacle at Gateway Games 2024_ The National Sports Commission, after its top management meeting, has announced Enugu State as the host of the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival. The Coal City State emerged top from a competitive bidding process and the state is set to deliver a world-class event. The National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sports event, brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria's 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity and sporting excellence.  Before Enugu State takes center stage, the 22nd edition of the festival is set to hold in January 2025 in Ogun State, with the Gateway State buzzing with pomp and pageantry, as the Games draw closer. Honourable Bukola Olopade, the former chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and current NSC Director General, revealed that the Gateway Games will host over 15,000 athletes. He reaffirmed the NSC's commitment to su...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olopade has approved the appointment of three Aides to serve in the office of the Director-General of the Commission. In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Press Mrs Kehinde Ajayi, the appointments include,  1. Seyi Johnson , Special Assistant  2. Kola Daniel , Special Assistant Media  3. Ebidiowei Oweifie Special Assistant, ( special duties ) By these appointments, You are expected to bring your wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of your duties, in line with the mandate and vision of the Sports Commission. Congratulations on your appointments and best wishes.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Hon. Bukola Olopade as the Director General and Secretary of the NSC. Dikko stated that the appointment will usher in an additional value addition for Nigerian sports, emphasizing the experience and energy Hon, Olopade will bring to the Commission. On Thursday, the Presidency announced Hon. Bukola Olopade as the Director-General and Secretary  of the National Sports Commission (NSC).  Olopade, also serves as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State coming up in January, 2025.  He brings significant experience to the role, as a former two-term commissioner of youth and sports in Ogun State and with huge private sector experience in advancing the course of sports in Nigeria. He is set to work closely with the Chairman Dikko to advance the Commission’s initiatives and strengthen Nigerian sports. Dikko...