NSC Reaffirms Commitment To World-Class African Youth Games With 28-man LOC Inauguration

NSC Reaffirms Commitment To World-Class African Youth Games With 28-man LOC Inauguration

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the second edition of the African Youth Games, scheduled to hold in Abuja in 2027, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 28-member committee was inaugurated in Abuja by the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who charged its members to deliver what he described as the best African Youth Games ever staged on the continent.

Dikko assured the committee of the Commission’s full institutional support, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to hosting a Games that meets international standards. He also gave assurances to the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and other continental stakeholders of the Federal Government’s readiness to ensure a safe, well-organised, and memorable event.

“I congratulate all members of the Local Organising Committee on your appointments. You have been entrusted with a serious national assignment,” Dikko said. “This responsibility will demand careful planning, effective coordination, transparency, and teamwork for the desired success to be achieved.”

“I also want to assure our African partners and stakeholders that Abuja 2027 will be safe, well organised, and memorable for our young athletes.”

Speaking at the event, Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said hosting the African Youth Games aligns with the Commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE), which prioritises sports production and the use of sports as a tool for national development.

“We are steadily restoring Nigerian sports to its rightful place on the continent and globally,” Olopade said. “Nigeria is once again positioning itself as a viable hub for hosting major international competitions, with clear socio-cultural and economic benefits driven through sports.”

Chairman of the newly inaugurated LOC, Lekan Abari, commended the leadership of the NSC under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, describing the current period as a renaissance for Nigerian sports. He pledged that the committee would work with dedication, professionalism, and transparency to deliver a landmark edition of the African Youth Games.

Members of the Local Organising Committee include Lekan Abari (Chairman), Bar. Musa Amadu (Deputy Chairman), Sagaya Abdulmumeen (Secretary), Dr Ibrahim Abdul, Sabina Chikere, Arc. Adamu Tanimu, Olubunmi Ola-Oluode, Dr Lydia Gbagi, Olufunke Florence Olu-Young, Dr Oba Funsho Usman, Chief Victor Onogagamue, and Farouk Yarma.

Other members are Chichi Nwoko, Ebidowei Oweife, Chief Amaka Ashiofu, Olalekan Alabi, Tunde Adeluola, Jude Ayandofu, Lanre Ogunjobi, Aisha Shuaibu, Kola Daniel, Dr Ibrahim Gyaran, Femi Ayorinde, Dr Rabiu Mohammed, Yusuf Adamu, Jahnedu Ibekwelu, Gbadebo Oyebola, and Barr. Friday Agbom.