The National Sports Commission (NSC) on Tuesday opened the Technical Session of the 2nd National Council on Sports in Calabar, Cross River State, unveiling a strategic roadmap aimed at deepening reforms and accelerating growth across Nigeria’s sports ecosystem under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Declaring the session open, NSC Director-General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, described the Technical Session as the “engine room” for Nigeria’s sports policy development, noting that decisions reached at the forum would significantly influence the nation’s sports direction in 2025 and beyond.
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Olopade highlighted the Commission’s progress under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports and Empowerment (RHINSE), citing advancements in infrastructure renewal, athlete development pathways, improved governance systems, and expanding private-sector partnerships. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to driving commercialization and strengthening athlete welfare nationwide.
Presenting the Council’s 2025 objectives, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Olufisayo Funke Darryl-Odiaka, outlined priority areas including improved federal–state coordination, enhanced athlete welfare, operational efficiency, competition preparedness, timely funding, and clear implementation deadlines for all states.
Cross River State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, welcomed participants and announced the state’s recent achievements in sports development, such as the Agbokim Green Marathon, Skate-Ta-Thon, Queens Cup, and the revival of the Governor’s Cup. She reaffirmed Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to leveraging sports for youth empowerment and economic growth, while inviting delegates to the 2025 Carnival Calabar.
Goodwill messages from Comrade Philip Shaibu of the National Institute for Sports, Ebonyi State Director of Sports, Maxwell Utobo, and Mixed Martial Arts Federation Vice President, Mario Wanny, applauded the Commission’s reforms and urged sustained professionalism and accountability across the sector.
A major highlight of the session was a technical paper presentation on Risk Management and Insurance in Sports by EMPLE Nigeria, which emphasized the urgency of instituting athlete life insurance, travel insurance, event coverage, and liability protection—critical components for modern and safe sports administration.
The session also featured the presentation of key memos from departments such as the National Sports Festival and Para-Sports, Grassroots Sports Development, and Anti-Doping. These memos, containing updates and policy recommendations, will be reviewed at the Council Plenary for final approval.
The Technical Session continues throughout the week as states, directors, and experts deliberate on strategic recommendations that will shape Nigeria’s sports policy direction for 2025.
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