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Abuja, Nigeria – The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all sports to thrive. This assurance was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Japan-Africa Baseball and Softball Foundation (J-ABS), accompanied by the President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation (NBSF), Mr. Uche Odozor.
Equal Opportunities for All Sports
Mallam Dikko, represented by Chief of Staff to the NSC Chairman, Mallam Salihu Abubakar, emphasized that the Commission’s mandate is to harness the potentials of all sports, with a focus on contributing at least 3% to the nation’s GDP. He stated, “In this dispensation, there is nothing called small sports. That word doesn’t exist in our lexicon. Every sport will get equal opportunity to flourish.”
Baseball’s Potential
The NSC Chairman highlighted the immense potential in baseball, citing the country’s enormous talents that can be harvested in the sport. He noted that baseball is a sport that thrives on strength and dignity, ingredients that are abundant in Nigeria. “We have the best reservoir of talents in Africa, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be a top-rated country in this sport on the continent,” he said.
Economic Benefits
Mallam Dikko also emphasized the economic benefits of baseball, stating that the sport has the potential to generate huge revenue for the country. He added that the Commission’s target is to ensure that sports contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP, and baseball will play a role in achieving this goal.
J-ABS Delegation
The J-ABS delegation, led by President Shinja Tomonari, expressed enthusiasm for the project aimed at providing technical support to baseball coaches and taking the sport to the grassroots. The Foundation’s visit is part of preparations for the JICA Grassroots Technical Cooperation Project.
Appreciation
Mr. Odozor thanked the NSC Chairman for reintroducing baseball and softball in the National Youth Games and for helping the Federation restore its ownership of the Baseball park at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. He expressed optimism that with the Chairman’s support, baseball will take its pride of place in Nigerian sports.
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