In a significant advancement for Nigeria’s sports sector, the Nigeria E-Sports Federation was inaugurated yesterday in Abuja, with the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, highlighting the immense potential of E-Sports to transform the country’s GDP.
Dikko expressed his excitement over the federation’s establishment and charged the federation’s board to empower the Nigerian youth positively through the digital gaming system, saying no fewer than 46 million Nigerians are actively engaged in e-Sports currently.
Speaking to newsmen after the inauguration ceremony, director general of the National Sports Commission, Hon Bukola Olopade, emphasized the potential of eSports to engage millions of Nigerians and empower the youth in the digital age.
“Today, I must congratulate all of us in Nigeria, particularly the stakeholders in sports. E-Sports is a platform that energizes our young people and encourages their ability to thrive in the digital space,” he stated.
According to Olopade, recent statistics reveal that approximately 46 million Nigerians are involved in E-Sports, showcasing the sport’s widespread appeal.
He reflected on the arduous journey toward forming the federation, which has taken nearly five years, and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in the industry.
“This achievement is a big plus for sports as a contributor to Nigeria’s GDP,” Olopade asserted, underscoring the economic benefits that E-Sports could bring to the nation.
He further recognized the role of sports in steering youth away from negative influences, citing his previous experience as Commissioner of Sports in Ogun State, where sports initiatives successfully created jobs and improved community welfare.
The newly appointed president of the Nigeria E-Sports Federation, Yahaya Maikori, outlined the federation’s strategic priorities.
“Our first step is to collaborate with state governments to establish associations that will serve as points of contact for implementing our strategies,” Maikori stated.
He added that the federation will engage with international organizations related to E-Sports to enhance training, competition, and overall development of the game in Nigeria.
The establishment of the Nigeria E-Sports Federation marks a pivotal moment for the country’s sports landscape, promising to harness the energy and enthusiasm of Nigeria’s youth while positioning the nation as a formidable player in the global E-Sports arena.
With a focus on collaboration and strategic development, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of E-Sports in Nigeria and its potential to drive economic growth and social change.
