The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has called on corporate organisations, private investors and sports stakeholders to invest in Nigeria’s sports sector to build a sustainable, commercially viable and legacy-driven industry.
Olopade made the call during an executive strategic engagement with key sports stakeholders, corporate partners and sports administrators, where he emphasised the need for transparent funding, stronger private-sector partnerships and strategic investments in grassroots sports and elite infrastructure.
“Legacy means a lot to me. Show us the money, and let’s build the legacy together,” the NSC Director-General declared, stressing that sustainable sports development requires collective commitment and investment beyond individual administrations.
He identified commercial viability, accountability, infrastructure development and public-private partnerships as key pillars of the Commission’s strategy to reposition Nigerian sports.
According to him, the NSC is working towards establishing transparent frameworks that will ensure corporate sponsorships and public funds translate into measurable returns and tangible development across sporting disciplines.
He also highlighted the importance of channelling investments into the modernisation of sports facilities, grassroots talent identification programmes and long-term athlete welfare initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s sporting foundation.
Olopade further urged corporate Nigeria, international organisations and private investors to partner with the Commission in developing sustainable sports projects and properties capable of outliving individual tenures and delivering lasting value.
He reaffirmed that the NSC would prioritise institutional reforms aimed at transforming sports from a predominantly entertainment-driven activity into a viable economic sector capable of creating jobs, empowering young people, promoting national unity and enhancing Nigeria’s international standing.
The Commission also called on corporate organisations, brand sponsors and sports federations to align with its strategic direction as it prepares to roll out new national sports infrastructure and development initiatives.
The NSC maintained that a stronger investment culture, backed by accountability and strategic partnerships, would be critical to building a sports ecosystem capable of delivering sustainable economic and social benefits to the country.
