The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its dedication to transforming the country’s sports sector, with a renewed focus on grassroots development.
Speaking at the final of the FCT Area Council Cup, Adeyinka Zulu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, announced the development of a comprehensive 10-year sports master plan.
This initiative aims to engage young Nigerians in sports from elementary school through higher education, fostering talent and preparing athletes for international competitions.
The plan is spearheaded by the National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade.Â
The NSC’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) seeks to shift Nigeria’s sports ecosystem from being competition-driven to a developmental and value-added industry.
The 10-year Sports Master Plan is designed to positively and productively engage youths through sports in their various local governments and states.
The goal is to ensure that young and talented youths have opportunities to benefit themselves, their states, and the country.
The government’s commitment is underscored by an unprecedented capital proposal of over ₦78 billion in the 2025 budget for sports, with the objective of advancing and jumpstarting the sports economy.Â
This budget will fund critical infrastructure and programs, including sports infrastructure development and the establishment of an anti-doping laboratory.
Mallam Dikko emphasized that the RHINSE initiative is not just about investing in infrastructure but about redefining sports as a national asset. It is intended as a tool for unity, cultural promotion, and economic growth, with the potential to uplift millions of youths and communities across the country.Â
The initiative is anchored on institutional repositioning, restructuring of sports federations, grassroots development, and private sector collaboration to foster growth.
Hon. Olopade added that RHINSE is a game-changer for sports development in Nigeria, setting the foundation and roadmap for enhancing sports development and creating opportunities for youth to thrive.
