NSC inaugurates school games LOC, NFAF board

… charges members to display professionalism

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated the local organising committee (LOC) for the 2nd African School Games (ASG) code-named Abuja 2027, as well as the pioneer board for the Nigeria Federation of American Football (NFAF), which debuted in the country.

Speaking at the event which was held at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the inauguration aligned with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) as he charged members of the two bodies to discharge their duties with high sense of professionalism, accountability and results saying sports must remain one of key drivers of Nigerian economy.

Dikko assured the LOC of the Commission’s total support to deliver on the given assignment while assuring the rest of Africa and ANOCA of the federal Government’s commitment to host an international standard games.

He said the ASG is not just another sporting event; it is going to be a continental gathering of our young people, and at the same time, about Africa’s future. By inaugurating the local organising committee today, we are taking the first formal step in turning this opportunity into a success story that Africa will live to remember.

“The African School Games are about more than medals; they are about discipline, character, friendship and hope. They bring together young Africans to compete, learn and grow together both on and off the pitch. When we invest in school sports, we’re investing early, wisely and sustainably in our national and continental development.

“For Nigeria, hosting this game is a statement; it shows that we believe in grassroots sports, it shows that we believe in education and that sports must work hand in hand with education.

“We’re ready to play our role in shaping the next generation of African leaders, whether in sports or beyond. This is why on the home front, the National Sports Commission is already taking deliberate steps to strengthen the link between schools and our sports system. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, we’ve established the Joint Education Sports Committee to ensure that sports is properly embedded within our educational framework. Through this platform, we are aligning school curricula, talent identification, competition and welfare structure to promote early participation, inclusiveness and sustainable athletes’ development,” the NSC chairman stated.

The DG, NSC, Bukola Olopade, in his remarks, said hosting the ASG fits perfectly with the RHINSE (Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy) agenda of the NSC that prioritises sports production.

“We are gradually returning Nigerian sports to where it rightly belongs on the continent and in the World at large, where Nigeria is a viable hub for hosting major international competitions to boost the Country’s sociocultural and economic impact through sports,” Olopade said.

The LOC chairman and his NFAF counterpart, Lekan Abari and Babajide Akeredolu respectively in their remarks promised to raise Nigeria’s flag higher and carry out their duties diligently and transparently.