Ado Salisu
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has ushered in a new era in Nigeria’s sports administration, following one of the most transparent, peaceful, and inclusive sports federation elections in recent history.
Under the visionary leadership of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the elections marked a significant turning point in the governance of Nigerian sports ushering in reforms that are attracting some of the country’s most accomplished professionals into sports administration.
The nationwide elections, widely praised as free, fair, and transparent, provided equal opportunities for qualified stakeholders to contest and contribute to a renewed vision for sports development.
The outcome reflects growing confidence in the NSC’s reforms and its commitment to merit, integrity, and national growth through sports.
Among the newly elected federation leaders are distinguished public officials, captains of industry, and professionals with decades of leadership and innovation experience.
Leading this lineup is Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who emerged as President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation. A long-time advocate of youth empowerment through sports, Edun previously chaired the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame and is returning to deepen the sport’s development under the NSC’s revitalized vision.
Also bringing a wealth of experience to national sports is the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, elected as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. His emergence symbolizes continuity of discipline, structure, and excellence in sports leadership.
In another notable development, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, a two-time Governor of Gombe State, was elected President of the Nigeria Chess Federation. Known for his record in financial prudence and governance reform, Senator Dankwambo is expected to bring strategic insight and organizational strength to the intellectual sport.
Similarly, Senator Obinna Ogba emerged as President of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria, where his experience in sports administration and governance will help preserve and expand Nigeria’s indigenous sports heritage.
The elections also produced Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, reflecting the NSC’s inclusive approach and commitment to diversity in sports leadership.
In the cricket community, Mr. Uyi Akpata was re-elected unopposed as President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) for a second term. A senior regional partner at PwC and respected sports administrator, Akpata has been instrumental in raising the standards of Nigerian cricket, promoting grassroots participation, and enhancing Nigeria’s image on the global cricket stage.
Speaking after the elections, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko commended all candidates and delegates for their maturity and patriotism throughout the process.
“We are witnessing a defining chapter in Nigerian sports governance,” Dikko said. “The participation of seasoned professionals and industry leaders shows that sports in Nigeria are now being recognized as a serious national business—one capable of driving economic growth, social unity, and international prestige.”
NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade described the exercise as “a new benchmark for transparency and inclusiveness.”
“Our focus has been to restore confidence in the system. These elections are a testament to our resolve to reposition Nigerian sports as a beacon of integrity and innovation,” he said.
With this new wave of credible leadership, the NSC reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing excellence, strengthening governance across federations, and ensuring that Nigerian sports thrive locally and globally.