Former Nigerian international, Edema Fuludu has praised President Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Sports Development and reinstate the National Sports Commission (NSC).
He also commended the appointment of Shehu Dikko as the commission’s chairman, highlighting Dikko’s extensive experience in the sports industry.
In an interview with Brilla.net, Fuludu expressed optimism about Dikko’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of assembling the right team to support him.
The handover.ceremony: Former Sports Minister Sen. John Enoh Owan with Chairman, National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko. Photo | X
“Shehu Dikko has been in the sports industry and contributed his quota over time. I think the National Sports Commission is the right way to go and because it has come to play, I want to thank president Tinubu for making it a possibility,” Fuludu remarked.
“The board need to have the right caliber of people representing all segment that will come in and Shehu Dikko needs to pilot appropriately.”
Grassroots Development and Facility Maintenance
Fuludu also touched on the broader challenges facing Nigerian sports, particularly the need for genuine grassroots development.
He criticized the tendency to focus solely on winning medals while neglecting foundational growth.
“Sometimes we just want to win medals at all costs forgetting that real development comes down from the grassroots and it is done when people at the helm of affairs decide to do what is right,” he said.
On the issue of sports facilities and the maintenance culture in Nigeria, Fuludu acknowledged that the problem extends beyond the sports industry.
“Maintenance culture is not just in the sports industry, it is a Nigeria problem.
“It is also a leadership issue, if people involved are concerned and not just rhetoric, it will be done properly.
“We’ve had this issue over the years. We have these impressive structures, but those managing them have the responsibility to do what is right,” he concluded.
