Following Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 Presidential Elections, Nigerian sports stakeholders are calling on the President-elect to ensure competent, passionate professionals manage the sports sector during his administration. Tinubu’s manifesto, titled Renewed Hope 2023, emphasizes grassroots sports, athlete funding, and creating a business-friendly sports environment as key strategies for national unity and economic growth.
Retired Olympic sprinter Deji Aliu highlighted the need for Tinubu to appoint technocrats who understand the demands of sports rather than political figures. “The priority should be passionate, knowledgeable administrators who truly value athletes’ commitment and can transform the sector,” Aliu stated. He also urged Tinubu to focus on upgrading national sports facilities.
Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association Task Force, Harrison Jalla, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of skilled leadership in executing Tinubu’s sports agenda, especially in professional sports. Sylvester Ikuejamoye, a board member of the Nigeria Handball Federation, added that a well-developed sports industry could support athletes financially, reducing brain drain and promoting Nigeria as a global force in sports.
Veteran journalist Mitchel Obi expressed optimism, urging Tinubu’s administration to turn its manifesto promises into tangible results. “If fulfilled, his blueprint could position sports as a driver for meeting Sustainable Development Goals,” Obi noted.
SuperSport General Manager Felix Awogu also praised Tinubu’s grassroots sports focus but emphasized maintaining functional, low-maintenance sports facilities. “Building infrastructure is essential, but so is making it sustainable. We need practical solutions to keep our facilities operational,” he advised.
As Tinubu prepares for his inauguration, sports enthusiasts nationwide await action to transform Nigeria’s sports landscape and elevate it to new heights.
