Shehu Dikko; Boosting Islamic Games for Mass Participation,
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
OPINION
For Shehu Dikko led National Sports Commission NSC, the quest for genuine reforms, initiatives and innovations for sports development will be his policy thrust at the helms of affairs of Nigeria’s sports , hence his desire to encourage all sorts of sports development, games cannot be overemphasized.
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The participation of Nigeria in the ongoing maiden Islamic Games sports in Saudi Arabia was a pointer to his determination, particularly going with about 59 athletes and many coaches to boost the Arabian Game, and to portray the country in good light both in image , sports and others developmental activities.
For a leadership who is doing anything humanly and practically possible to suatain the success story of all areas of sports development in recent times, particularly after his ascension, Dikko went with majority of the contingents who were christians numbering over 30 in the team and some women athletes, to discourage the impression of religious implications and believe that the Islamic Games holding in Saudi Arabia, is for only moslems alone .
With many countries both Islamic and Christian countries fully participating in the ongoing continental games in the intercontinental games, the Islamic Games is all encompassing and knows no religious, sectional and any other consideration.
With 59 Coaches/Athletes, Dikko was already prepared for the Olympic approved games, that will provide not only sporting opportunities for Nigeria, but other ones that will be directly beneficial in the area of investments, businesses among many others.
The indefatigable Chairman , National Sports Commission NSC, Alhaji Shehu Dikko did not ensure Nigeria is participating in the ongoing Islamic sports , but physically on ground In Saudi Arabia to monitor the progress, performance and wellbeing of the participants, contingents and their coaches.
With high expectations to win medals and laurels , Dikko said the country has already won some laurels in sone games, and was not ready to underperform in the ongoing games to encourage regional participation of games going forward.
Aside other sidelines discussions that will be beneficial to the country, particularly as the Saudi Arabia authorities government and sports administration have showed their willingness to encourage bilateral discussions, to open more ways within the two countries for healthier interactions.
Already , the zeal to reposition sports development in the country was welcomed by the Saudi authority , particularly Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing games(Islamic Games) , capable of triggering more diplomatic interactions, businesses, investments and others laudable discussions that will be beneficial to both countries.
For Shehu Dikko, the quest to continue to showcase the country in global fora on sports development will be relentless, and a departure from the previous order were requests were made, funds provided and diverted by some disgruntled administrators, a sharp departure from the previous order and business as usual .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
