Shehu Dikko’s Appointment: Our fears, our expectations, stakeholders speak

The decision by President Bola Tinubu to appoint Mallam Shehu Dikko as chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) is generating serious interest in the country’s sports circle.
 

The Commission has a rich history, dating back to the era of Empire Day Games. It was first established officially in 1971, however, it was first dissolved in 1995 and re-introduced in 2007.
 
Dikko, arguably one of the best football administrators in the country, is now saddled with the responsibility of overseeing sports development.
 
Stakeholders, however, have expressed contrasting views on the Kaduna State-born administrator. For some, Dikko has never operated outside the football circle both locally and internationally since he came to limelight, and might find it difficult to turn around the fortune of the nation’s sports.
 

Former Director General of Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Victor Onogagamue, said: “To know what to do and to do it the right time and in the right place is the beginning of success. This is where professionals and technocrats with right mindset come in.
 
“I remember the days of Dr Amos Adamu and Dr Patrick Ekeji as sports leaders, they sought funds and support through marketers, contacts and aggressive sponsorship to keep sport going before official funds were released. I cannot fully explain how they did the magic.
 
“Those professional (Dr. Amos Adamu and Chief Pat Ekeji) provided the sports industry with inspirational leadership and mentorship during their impactful reign as DG Sports (NSC). They were generals with the ground troops. They were very efficient and effective. The helmsmen of a supervisory body must statutorily command adequate knowledge of the sector.
 
“We will continue to advocate