NSC reaches out to internally displaced persons in Abuja to celebrate the new year

As part of the new year celebrations, the National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, extended goodwill to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja.

The Durumi IDP Camp was the focal point of this outreach, aimed at fostering inclusivity and emphasizing the transformative power of sports in rebuilding lives and communities.

During the visit, residents were assured of the NSC’s commitment to grassroots development and increased participation in sports.

Mallam Dikko, represented by his Technical Assistants, Lanre Ogunjobi and Barr. Uche George Egbe, highlighted how sports can significantly enhance physical and mental well-being.
He stressed the importance of active engagement, stating that sports provide a platform for exercise, social interaction, and personal growth, all of which are vital for improving the quality of life in such communities.

The Chairman also emphasized that talent will not go unnoticed. His words, “If a talent with high development potential is identified anywhere in Nigeria, including IDP camps, the National Sports Commission will put mechanisms in place to provide the necessary developmental support to nurture and grow such talent. Everyone deserves an opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances.”

As part of the initiative, the NSC donated sports kits, footballs, and equipment to children in the camp to encourage participation in sporting activities. The outreach also included the distribution of food items, beverages, nutritional supplements, child care products, sanitary items, and other essentials to address the immediate needs of the camp’s residents.

The Public Relations Officer of the Durumi IDP Camp, Umar Gola, thanked the NSC delegation for their visit and emphasized the importance of sports for health and physical well-being.
He urged the NSC Chairman to provide more sports facilities in the FCT, as the youth in their camp have limited access to such facilities.

Similarly, Madam Liyatu Ayuba, the Women’s Leader of the Durumi IDP Camp, expressed her happiness and gratitude to the NSC Chairman for the donations, saying he has brought smiles to their children’s faces.

The National Sports Commission under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, remains steadfast in its mission to use sports as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and community development, ensuring no one is left behind in the drive to rebuild and strengthen Nigerian sports from the grassroots.

Dikko is not a stranger to discovering talents at the IDPs. While as LMC Chairman, he spearheaded the discovery of Nura Mohammed from the IDP camp to feature for El Kanemi Warriors. Mohammed was also on the fringes of the Home-based Super Eagles and played for Nigeria in the CHAN Championship in 2018 as a 15 year old.