‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ Accelerating Infrastructure, Athlete Dev’t – Olopade

The director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, believes that the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is accelerating progress in infrastructure renewal, athlete development, and governance reforms.

He made this statement during the technical session of the 2nd National Council on Sports in Calabar, Cross River State, describing the session as the engine room for sports policy formulation, where actionable recommendations shaping the future of Nigerian sports are developed.

“The Technical Session forms a major component of the broader Council activities being steered by the Commission towards strengthening Nigeria’s sports sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda has already accelerated progress in infrastructure renewal, athlete development, governance reforms, and private-sector collaboration,” Olopade stated.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the RHINSE Framework, which is driving commercialisation, athlete welfare improvements, and long-term structural transformation across the sports ecosystem.

Presenting the 2025 objectives of the Council meeting, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Olufisayo Funke Darryl-Odiaka, highlighted key areas such as strengthening federal–state coordination, improving athlete welfare, enhancing competition readiness, ensuring timely funding, addressing operational challenges, and setting clear implementation timelines for all states.

According to a statement signed by Dr Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Information and Public Relations, NSC, and made available to journalists yesterday, a major highlight of the session was a technical paper presentation on Risk Management and Insurance in Sports by EMPLE Nigeria, advocating for the adoption of comprehensive insurance policies such as athlete life insurance, travel insurance, event insurance, and liability coverage — key components for modern sports administration.

The Technical Session also featured the presentation of various Council memos from different stakeholders and departments of the Commission, including the National Sports Festival and Para-Sports Department, the Grassroots Sports Development Department, and the Anti-Doping Department.
In her welcome address, the Cross River State Commissioner for Sports Development, Honourable Agnes Atsu, outlined the state’s significant strides, including the Agbokim Green Marathon, the Nigerian Women League Championship, the Skate-A-Thon, the Queen’s Cup, and the revival of the Governor’s Cup.

She emphasised Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to using sports for youth empowerment, economic expansion, and community development. She also invited all delegates to attend the 2025 Carnival Calabar.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Comrade Philip Shuaibu, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, who commended the ongoing reforms and encouraged the Commission to sustain its positive trajectory. He was followed by Mr Maxwell Utobo, Director of Sports, Ebonyi State, and Mario Wanny, Vice President of the Mixed Martial Arts Federation. All three praised the renewed energy and professionalism in the sports ecosystem and encouraged continued commitment to “doing things right.”