The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, on Friday hosted Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the initiator of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), to a high-level meeting focused on increasing private sector involvement in sports development.
The strategic meeting, held in Abuja, brought together two passionate sports advocates determined to align their visions for a more sustainable and investment-driven sporting industry in Nigeria.
Sir Ikpokpo, who has pioneered several grassroots sporting initiatives such as the Local Government Sports Festival and the Niger Delta Sports Festival, described the encounter as “fruitful” and “an honour.” He praised Mallam Dikko’s visionary leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to collaborate in elevating sports at the national level.
“I came to express my gratitude to the NSC Chairman for his unwavering support towards the success of the Niger Delta Sports Festival. His vision to transform sports in Nigeria is exceptional and aligns perfectly with my entrepreneurial drive to create impactful investments,” Sir Ikpokpo stated.
He added, “With the current administration’s focus on developing the sports economy, it’s crucial for the private sector to play an active role. I am ready to contribute meaningfully towards this goal.”
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The meeting highlights the importance of synergy between public institutions and private players in accelerating the growth of the sports industry. According to Ikpokpo, such collaboration is key to unlocking the economic potential of sports in Nigeria.
He also used the opportunity to formally congratulate Mallam Shehu Dikko on his appointment, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the strategic decision.
“We must commend the President for putting a round peg in a round hole. The NSC Chairman’s impact is already visible, and I’m confident he will continue to drive positive change,” Ikpokpo remarked.
As Nigeria positions itself to attract more private sector investments in sports, the alliance between NSC leadership and visionary entrepreneurs like Sir Ikpokpo signals a new era of progress and opportunity for the country’s sports landscape.
