National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko had a fruitful engagement with Abia State Governor His Excellency Dr. Alex Oti in Umuahia on Wednesday aimed at harnessing the potentials of sports economy in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Speaking afterwards, the NSC Chairman commended Dr. Oti for deliberately aligning with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE) vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as driven by the Commission.

His words, "Indeed, I am very excited that His Excellency Governor Alex Oti has firmly keyed in and aligned to the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR targeted at making sports one of the key drivers of the economy in addition to its social impact in line to the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) framework. To this end, Governor Oti is taking several intentional and deliberate steps as well as setting the necessary foundation for sustainable sports development and activation of the sports economy in the state."

Generally, discussions centered around overall sports development in Abia State and grassroots engagements. Other issues discussed are:

- Abia State's preparations to host the 1st Abia International Para Badminton Championship scheduled for 30th September to 5th October 2025 and the 2025 All African Para Badminton Championship schedule for 6th to 12th October 2025.

- The Proposed development of a Stadium City including a word-class FIFA Standard Stadium capable of hosting international matches.

- The relocation of Nsulu Games village and the proposed development of a brand new world-class Abia Games Village to provide the requisite infrastructure base to assist in the training and development of athletes in Abia State and Nigeria in general.

- Proposed development of a Special Sports Economic Zone in Aba envisaged to be a hub for sports goods, apparel and equipment manufacturing to serve Nigeria and West African market and thus assist in reducing the over reliance on imported sports wears and equipment while advancing the development of local content.

- Restructuring of the Abia State Ministry of Sports into Abia State Sports Commission to ensure the professionalisation of sports administration in the state and proper alignment with the Federal Government.

In conclusion, His Excellency Dr. Oti sought the institutional support and professional advice of the NSC and Federal Government towards the delivery of these laudable projects. A framework for collaboration was thus agreed just as further engagements have been scheduled.

Mallam Dikko congratulated the Abia State Governor for the giant strides in the state and his determination to make sports a key part of his developmental agenda.

Dr (mrs) Kehinde Ajayi FCAI,ANIPR

Director Information & PR 

NSC

11/7/25