The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, is a man who many describe as one of the best Sports administrators in Nigeria
Ever since his exploits as Commissioner of sports in Ogun state, Bukola has maintained a steady rise in the sector, achieving so much where many failed.
He is not one man who gets swallowed by the ocassion, he thrives even when the ovation seem loudest and has steadily distinguished himself as one of the best Sports marketers in today’s Nigeria.
So it did not come as a surprise to anyone when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed the Ogun state born administrator as the Director General of the National Sports Commission. Many saw this appointment as an endorsement to the rising profile of Ozogula (as Bukola Olopade is fondly called by his admirers).
Ever since his appointment as DG, a few persons trying to spread their usuai negative vibes, have predicted that the new DG will always have problems working with a chairman that is equally intelligent, very influential but always calm and calculative. They say both men are on opposite lines and may find it difficult to work together to achieve a common goal of repositioning Nigeria sports.
However, events of the last few weeks have played out perfectly to douse this tension and put to rest all negativities. Infact, the bond of trust and friendship between these two men, seem to be improving with every passing day.
The DG is always quick to give honour to whom it is due when the need arises. On several ocassions, even when he is attending any function in his capacity as Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade is never shy to inform the gathering that he has the permission of his chairman to speak on behalf of the commission.
Few hours before the all important CHAN Qualifier with the Black Galaxies of Ghana in Uyo, Olopade was going to make a pledge of Ten Million Naira on behalf of the Commission but had the wisdom to consult the NSC chairman who suggested that the pledge be done on his name as a personal contribution towards Nigeria’s CHAN Qualification.
After the match, which Nigeria eventually won by three goals to one, the NSC DG caught in the frenzy of celebration, thanked the players for their effort while also pledging the sports commission full support to the team during the CHAN Championship proper.
He also thanked the Chairman of the National Sports commision Mallam Shehu Dikko, for the morale boosting incentive which according to him, was the tonic needed on a day like this to propel the boys to victory.
“I am lucky to be working with a chairman like Shehu Dikko he said. In just under two months, I have learnt so much and I am challenged to always want to give my best. Dikko is an exceptional leader who knows what we need to get what we want. Motivation is key to success and i must say that the ten Million Naira he gave to these boys today, has helped us to get the result we all craved for. We hope to do more with all the National teams as we aim to qualify for all major sporting events and win laurels for our dear Country Nigeria”
