Olopade outlines Tinubu's mandate for Nigerian athlete welfare

National Sports Commission (NSC) Director-General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, has disclosed a new directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the welfare of Nigerian athletes. The President has instructed the NSC to ensure that athletes have sufficient funds while they are representing the nation in international competitions.

Olopade stated that this mandate to ensure there is money in the pockets of Nigerian athletes during their sporting outings has influenced recent successes. He noted that the directive aims to provide the necessary care and financial support for those competing on the global stage.

The Director-General linked this approach to the recent performances of Nigerian stars at the Commonwealth Games and the World U20 Athletics Championship. He highlighted the achievements of athletes such as Kanyinsola, Ashe, Nathaniel, and Ogazi in Glasgow, as well as Miracle's performance at the U20 World Championships in Oregon and Jessica Orji's rise in African athletics.

Olopade credited the current resurgence in Nigerian track and field to this focus on athlete welfare. He mentioned that the NSC is working with a unified vision to maintain this momentum, noting that the commission intends to extend this commitment of care and rewards beyond just athletics to all competing athletes.

The Director-General also acknowledged the support of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko in prioritizing athlete welfare. Olopade affirmed that the commission will continue to engage with athletes and provide them with the required resources and attention during their international duties.