As part of efforts to deliver a successful second edition of the African Youth Games tagged Abuja 2027, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the tournament.
The 28-member committee was inaugurated by the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, with a clear mandate to organise what he described as the best youth Games ever staged on the continent.
Dikko assured the LOC of the Commission’s full support in executing the assignment, while reaffirming to the rest of Africa and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting an international-standard event.
I congratulate all the LOC members on their appointments, knowing full well that you have been entrusted with a serious national assignment. Your work will require planning, coordination, transparency, and teamwork for the desired success to be achieved,” he said.
I want to assure all our African partners and stakeholders that Abuja 2027 will be safe, well organised, and memorable for all our young athletes.”
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, noted that hosting the African Youth Games aligns with the Commission’s RHINSE (Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy) agenda, which prioritises sports production.
We are gradually returning Nigerian sports to where it rightly belongs on the continent and the global stage, positioning the country as a viable hub for hosting major international competitions that will boost our sociocultural and economic impact through sports,” Olopade stated.
Chairman of the newly inaugurated LOC, Lekan Abari, praised the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade for what he described as a renaissance in Nigerian sports. He assured that the committee would work with dedication and transparency to deliver the best African Youth Games ever staged.
Members of the committee include Lekan Abari (Chairman), Barr. Musa Amadu (Deputy Chairman), Sagaya Abdulmumeen (Secretary), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Sabina Chikere, Arc. Adamu Tanimu, Olubunmi Ola-Oluode, Dr. Lydia Gbagi, Olufunke Florence Olu-Young, Dr. Oba Funsho Usman, Chief Victor Onogagamue, and Farouk Yarma.
Others are Chichi Nwoko, Ebidowei Oweife, Chief Amaka Ashiofu, Olalekan Alabi, Tunde Adeluola, Jude Ayandofu, Lanre Ogunjobi, Aisha Shuaibu, Kola Daniel, Dr. Ibrahim Gyaran, Femi Ayorinde, Dr. Rabiu Mohammed, Yusuf Adamu, Jahnedu Ibekwelu, Gbadebo Oyebola, and Barr. Friday Agbom.
