By Ikemefuna Asika
The National Sports Commission,(NSC), has named former Olympian, Yusuf Ali as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon, Bukola Olopade, the board has been saddled with the mandate of creating a sustainable system for Nigeria Elites and their welfare.
According to the statement, Mr Bambo Akanni of the ‘Making of Champions’ will serve as a consultant and member of the Committee.
The 13 member committee will also have Prof. Ken Anugweje as Adviser and Member. Other members of the committee include Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun and Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi.
The Committee also has former Olympian Mary Onyali, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, Sunday Odebode and Olalekan Alabi as members while Bamiduro Olumide will serve as Secretary.
According to the DG, “All the members of the committee were carefully selected for their expertise and wealth of experience to help ensure Nigeria has a sustainable podium success at International competitions with a scientific reward system.
” And this is one of the innovations of the Commission under the Chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko so that the issues of Athletes Welfare and Training Grants are professionally managed henceforth.
” What we have done now is to ensure that there is a sustainable system that will empower potential athletes that will be on the Podium for the Country and this is one of many initiatives that the Commission will be rolling out under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy”, he added.
