ABUJA — Nigeria must adopt a deliberate strategy to position sports as a viable wealth-creation sector and an engine for youth development, the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has declared. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) and the FCT Sports Department to the FCC headquarters in Abuja, Executive Chairman Hulayat Omidiran pledged to partner with local sporting authorities to drive grassroots talent identification, social inclusion, and broader participation across all six Area Councils.
Addressing a delegation led by FCT FA Chairman Abba Mohammed and FCT Acting Director of Sports Iyiola Ogundele, the FCC chief stressed that the nation’s capital should lead national efforts in discovering sporting excellence.
Grassroots Investments & School Coaching
To build a sustainable pipeline of talent, Mrs. Omidiran called for functional facilities and targeted institutional backing to integrate sports into educational settings.
Establishment of School Coaches: Mobilize teachers with existing athletic expertise to serve as frontline coaches while working toward recruiting full-time professionals.
Targeting All Disciplines: Focus on expanding talent discovery beyond football to encompass a wide spectrum of sports.
Budgetary Support: Pursue the necessary policy, institutional, and budgetary support to establish and maintain local sports infrastructure.”I want FCT to be the arrowhead of any detection of sporting talents, not only football but all sports,” Hon. Omidiran said. “We have to be intentional and serious, and we have to see sports as something that can make Nigeria richer.”
Reviving Nigeria’s Women’s Football Hegemony
Reflecting on her tenure as a former Executive Committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and pioneer member of the FIFA Women’s Football Committee, the proprietor of Omidiran Babes raised concerns over the country’s recent international struggles.
Empowering Youth: Pointed to sports as a transformative tool that has successfully elevated the lives of young athletes across the country.
National Decline: Expressed deep concern regarding the national team’s failure to qualify for major global tournaments.
Strategic Revival: Demanded urgent, collective leadership and investment to restore Nigeria’s competitive edge in international women’s football.”I am in deep pains seeing that Nigeria can’t even qualify for the Women’s World Cup,” she stated. “If there is any time for anyone to try to change things, this is the time.”
A Multi-Sport Strategic Vision
FCT FA Chairman Mukthar commended Mrs. Omidiran’s long-standing leadership in Nigerian sports, noting that the partnership aims to mobilize Area Councils and build strong territorial representation in national programs. FCT Acting Director of Sports Iyiola Ogundele added that the initiative will extend well beyond football, citing opportunities to channel natural athletic talent into sports such as gymnastics.
The strategic meeting follows Mrs. Omidiran’s attendance at the opening match of the FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Tournament at Area 3 Pitch last Friday, where defending champions AMAC defeated Gwagwalada 7-0.
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