The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has formally commended President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the substantial progress recorded in the national sports sector, Trybal News reports.
In a statement released via committee spokesperson Tony Nezianya, Gumel emphasized that the President’s unwavering support has propelled Nigerian sports to remarkable heights within a remarkably short period. He specifically praised the federal government for recognizing the socio-economic potential of the industry and for inaugurating a competent leadership team capable of driving significant growth and excellence.
A central theme of the commendation was the administrative efficiency and financial support provided by the current government. Gumel highlighted that the prompt provision of resources has fundamentally altered the operational capabilities of sports federations across the country. Addressing the impact of these policies, Gumel stated: “On behalf of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, I wish to express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactiveness towards sports development. The timely release of funds has been a game-changer, enabling sports managers to achieve milestones that were previously thought impossible.”
The NOC leadership also celebrated the strategic appointments of Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Bukola Olopade as Director-General of the National Sports Commission. Gumel described these appointments as a masterstroke, noting that their recent performances during budget defenses before the Senate and House of Representatives showcased a progressive and dedicated approach to national goals. He remarked that the nation is currently witnessing a significant paradigm shift in sports administration due to the focused leadership now at the helm of the commission.
Reflecting on the tangible results of these reforms, Gumel pointed to Nigeria’s increasing success in global competitions and the broader economic impact of the new sports policy. He provided specific data to illustrate the rapid transformation occurring within the sector. Gumel concluded by saying: “A year ago, achieving these heights seemed impossible. However, today, it is a reality driven by the president’s vision to transform sports into a major economic pillar as Dikko and Olopade have delivered a masterclass in administration. The results speak for themselves, with 373 medals in international competitions, ₦50 billion in private sector investment secured and over 140,000 jobs created. By combining timely funding with progressive structural reforms, we are not just winning medals; we are building a sustainable sports economy that contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.”
(NAN)
