The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced the composition of its Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board, with former Nigerian international Yusuf Ali as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The board’s primary objective is to create a sustainable system for Nigeria’s elite athletes and their welfare.
According to the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, “All the members of the committee were carefully selected for their expertise and wealth of experience to help ensure Nigeria has a sustainable podium success at International competitions with a scientific reward system.”
The 13-member committee includes notable figures such as Mr. Bambo Akanni of Making of Champions, who will serve as a consultant and member; Prof. Ken Anugweje as Adviser and Member; and former Olympian Mary Onyali. Other members include Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun, Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, Sunday Odebode, Olalekan Alabi, and Bamiduro Olumide, who will serve as Secretary.
Olopade emphasized that this initiative is part of the Commission’s efforts to professionally manage athletes’ welfare and training grants. “And this is one of the innovations of the Commission under the Chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko, so that the issues of Athletes Welfare and Training Grants are professionally managed henceforth.”
He added, “What we have done now is to ensure that there is a sustainable system that will empower potential athletes that will be on the Podium for the Country, and this is one of many initiatives that the Commission will be rolling out under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy.”
