Sports Can Drive More Than Half Of Nigeria’s Economy, Says FCC Chair

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has declared that the sports sector has the potential to contribute more than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if properly developed, describing it as a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation and national unity.

Omidiran made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the National Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

A former Executive Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and former member of FIFA’s Women’s Football Committee, Omidiran said sports should no longer be viewed merely as entertainment but as a strategic sector capable of transforming the nation’s economy.

“Sports is more than entertainment; it keeps communities together, strengthens families and, if properly harnessed, can contribute more than 50 per cent of a nation’s GDP. Nigeria is not there yet, but this administration is genuinely committed to unlocking the immense benefits of a vibrant sporting ecosystem,” she said.

The visit also featured the formal acceptance of her nomination as the first-ever National Matron of SWAN, a development she described as a great honour.

Pledging her full support for the association, Omidiran assured members that she would play an active role in advancing its programmes.

“I accepted immediately because it is a great honour. I will not be a silent matron. When I am with you, you will know I am with you. The Federal Character Commission will stand with SWAN, and I will support your programmes in every way possible,” she said.

Earlier, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin congratulated Omidiran on what he described as her transformative leadership of the FCC, praising her commitment to institutional reforms, transparency, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of equity and fairness.

He also commended her contributions to sports administration, particularly her advocacy for women’s sports and youth development, noting that her achievements made her a fitting choice as the association’s inaugural National Matron.

Benjamin said the honour was in recognition of Omidiran’s distinguished record in public service, sports development and national integration, expressing confidence that her support would deepen collaboration between SWAN and the FCC.

Omidiran is expected to be formally decorated as SWAN’s first National Matron during the association’s National Triennial Congress in August 2026, where sports journalists from across Nigeria will elect new national officers and outline the future direction of sports journalism in the country.