The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has reiterated the new transformative vision of the Commission during his meeting with the Directors and Heads of Departments of the Commission.

The interactive sessions allowed senior officials to introduce themselves to the new DG, who emphasized the importance of strategic, standardized and scientific approach to the Commission’s operations, including the conduct of Sports Federation Elections.

In his remarks, Olopade stressed the need for reforms that would attract top administrators to vie for leadership roles within Nigeria’s Sports Federations.

“There is no way we can’t be looking at having top industry CEOs on board in our Sports Federations,” he stated.

The DG also highlighted the Commission’s mandate to elevate the Corporate image of various Sports in Nigeria.

He reemphasized the NSC’s commitment to reviving key initiatives such as the National Sports Industry Policy and the 10-Year Football Master Plan.

“The Chairman and myself strongly believe we need to have a different approach to our Federation Elections,” he noted.

“This is why the emphasis of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a balanced approach to both sports consumption and sports production.”

The meeting reflects the new direction of the NSC, with Olopade pledging to champion and support policies that will foster professionalism and sustainable development across Nigeria’s sports landscape.

The Smiling Coast of Africa, Gambia and the Giant of Africa, Nigeria, literally aligned recently as Lagos SWAN (Sports Writers Association of Nigeria) and AIPS (International Sports Press Association) unveiled this year’s International Diplomacy and Diversity on Food, Drinks, Music, Culture, Arts, Fashion and Dance fiesta.

The event, held at the Goldview Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was in partnership with the Office of the President of Gambia, UNESCO, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC), Sabre, UNDP, NBC, CarolKing Media Ltd (CML), Indomie Noodles, MOL, Gala, National Council for Arts and Culture, SWAN water.

Chief Host and first female chairman of Lagos SWAN (Sports Writer Association of Nigeria) and head, Foreign Relations of Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, Amb. Olatutu Oladunni, said one of the primary objectives of the now annual event was ‘to preserve cultural heritage.’

“Partnership and collaboration on this beautiful cultural initiative will enhance the artistic innovations behind the initiative; it will add hope, values to culture sustainability and livelihood of culture heritage and of course boost creative economy in a better manner,” she stated.

Notably, Global Diplomatic Cultural Awards were conferred on the Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, HE Amb. Mohamadou Musa Njie, who is also Special Guest of Honour; His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eitan Ogunnwusi; Chairman American Aviation Technology Company (SABRE) West /Central Africa, Dr Gabriel Olowo, and late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s first daughter and Yeni Kuti.

DCP Nwogu Martins who represented AIG Adegoke Fayoade was also decorated on his behalf.

Delivering his keynote speech, Amb. Njie stole the show when he told the audience that part of the assimilation strategy he adopted on arriving Nigeria with its diverse and vibrant cultures was to wear Yoruba Attires on Monday, Igbo on Tuesday and Hausa on Wednesday before Gambian on Thursdays and Fridays.

Paying huge tribute to the Nigeria’s Afro-beat industry, Njie stated: “I am passionate about projecting our African culture. It is no secret that our continent is rich in cultural diversity and this can consistently boost trade and tourism.”

In a groundbreaking development, Nigerian football sensation Ahmed Musa has formally joined forces with Jaiz Bank, a pioneering non-interest financial institution.

This momentous partnership was sealed during Musa’s visit to Jaiz Bank’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly welcomed as the bank’s newest ambassador.

In a Facebook post by By Abdul A Kaugama, Musa’s affiliation with Jaiz Bank is a testament to his astute financial acumen and commitment to promoting ethical finance. As a long-standing customer of the bank, he has experienced firsthand the benefits of Jaiz Bank’s innovative, non-interest-based financial solutions.

By partnering with Jaiz Bank, Musa aims to inspire his multitude of fans to adopt a more prudent and Shariah-compliant approach to financial management.

“I am ecstatic to announce my ambassadorship with Jaiz Bank,” Musa exclaimed. “This esteemed institution shares my passion for empowering individuals and communities through financial inclusion and education. I am honored to be part of this remarkable journey and look forward to collaborating with Jaiz Bank to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.”

The synergy between Ahmed Musa and Jaiz Bank heralds a new era of financial empowerment and growth. As Musa embarks on this exciting partnership, his fans and well-wishers eagerly anticipate the innovative initiatives and projects that will emerge from this collaboration.