The president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for sports development.

Mr Gumel, in a statement issued through the committee’s spokesperson, Tony Nezianya, said the president’s unwavering support had propelled Nigerian sports to remarkable heights within a short period.

He praised the president for recognising the socio-economic potential of sports and for inaugurating a focused and competent leadership team to drive the sector forward.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, I wish to express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactiveness towards sports development.

“The timely release of funds has been a game-changer, enabling sports managers to achieve milestones that were previously thought impossible,” he said.

The NOC president also lauded the appointments of Shehu Dikko as chairman and Bukola Olopade as director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

According to him, the appointments have proven to be masterstrokes in the administration’s quest for sporting excellence.

“The nation is witnessing a paradigm shift in sports administration because the president appointed two focused individuals to lead the NSC.

“Their impressive performances before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Sports during the budget defence showcased their progressive ideas and dedication to national goals.

“The renewed focus is already yielding results, as reflected in Nigeria’s growing medal haul at international competitions.

“The significant number of medals recorded within this short timeframe is an indication of the effectiveness of the current administration’s policies,” he said.

Mr Gumel expressed confidence that, with the present trajectory, Nigerian sports would attain greater success on the global stage.

He reaffirmed NOC’s commitment to collaborating with the NSC leadership to foster talent development and ensure the nation’s success at upcoming international competitions.

”A year ago, achieving these heights seemed impossible. However, today, it is a reality driven by the president’s vision to transform sports into a major economic pillar, as Dikko and Olopade have delivered a masterclass in administration.

“The results speak for themselves, with 373 medals in international competitions, ₦50 billion in private sector investment secured, and over 140,000 jobs created. By combining timely funding with progressive structural reforms, we are not just winning medals; we are building a sustainable sports economy that contributes to Nigeria’s gross domestic product,” Mr Gumel said.

(NAN)