The Chairman of the Association of Former Female Athletes in Nigeria (AFFAN), Dr Toyin Aluko, has expressed confidence that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is now in the hands of competent sports administrators.
Dr Aluko made this statement after a closed door meeting between AFFAN members and the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, at his office on Thursday.
The former handball player believes that Chief Bukola Olopade’s experience, particularly as the former Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, will be instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
She further emphasized that the collaboration between Mallam Shehu Dikko and Chief Bukola Olopade represents one of the best developments for sports in Nigeria.
“The discussions with the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, have assured me that the NSC is in capable hands,” said the AFFAN Chairman.
“One hundred percent of what Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Chairman, previously mentioned was echoed by Chief Bukola Olopade.”
Dr Aluko expressed optimism about the potential impact of their combined experience.
She said, “With the wealth of experience both sports administrators bring, I am confident they will change the fortunes of sports in Nigeria. During his time as Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ogun State, Chief Olopade played a significant role in hosting the 2006 National Sports Festival, which saw the development of massive sports infrastructure. I am certain that similar progress will be made under his leadership as DG of the NSC.”
The AFFAN Chairman also highlighted the association’s readiness to be a part of the ongoing transformation.
“AFFAN is eager to make history with the new leadership, as we have former female athletes who have represented their states and country on various international platforms. We are committed to ensuring that current female athletes feel a sense of belonging, and we continuously encourage them to take their academic pursuits seriously.”