NOC Lauds President Tinubu’s Visionary L’ship as Nigerian Sports Surge to New Heights with 373 Medals and ₦50bn Investment

By Tgnews Reporter

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has showered praise on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative leadership in the sports sector, crediting his proactive policies and timely funding releases for driving unprecedented success and positioning sports as a key economic driver for the nation.

In a press release issued today, NOC President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel described the President’s approach as a “game-changer” that has enabled rapid progress in an remarkably short time.

Gumel expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the committee, highlighting how the administration’s recognition of sports’ socio-economic potential has led to strategic appointments and structural reforms that are yielding tangible results.

“The timely release of funds has been instrumental in achieving milestones previously thought impossible,” Gumel stated. He specifically commended the appointments of Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), calling them “masterstrokes” that have ushered in a paradigm shift in sports administration.

Gumel pointed to the duo’s recent impressive performance during budget defense sessions before the Senate and House Committees on Sports, where they demonstrated progressive ideas and strong commitment to national goals.

“The nation is witnessing a real transformation because the President appointed two focused leaders to steer the NSC,” he added.

The impact is already visible on the global stage and in economic terms. Under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) blueprint from 2024 to 2025, Team Nigeria amassed an impressive 373 medals across international competitions, including a breakdown of 197 gold, 119 silver, and 77 bronze. This haul has marked one of the country’s strongest performances in recent history.

Beyond medals, the sector has attracted ₦50 billion in private sector investment—the highest on record—through initiatives like the Sports Investment Promotion Office. These efforts have also generated over 140,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and establishing sports as a sustainable economic pillar.

“A year ago, achieving these heights seemed impossible. Today, it’s our reality,” the NOC emphasized, underscoring the combination of consistent funding, progressive reforms, and focused leadership under President Tinubu, Dikko, and Olopade.

The committee reaffirmed its full commitment to partnering with the NSC to nurture talent, develop emerging sports, and secure greater success at future international events, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The statement comes amid broader reforms in the sector, including President Tinubu’s recent directive for a funding reset starting in 2026, ensuring timely and adequate allocations to eliminate chronic delays that have historically hampered preparations and participation.

As Nigeria continues to build momentum in sports, the NOC’s endorsement signals strong institutional support for the administration’s vision, with expectations high for even greater achievements ahead.