If the grassroots development of Nigerian sports is to be actualized, the private sector would play a pivotal role. This was the thinking of National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko while speaking at the grand finale of the MTN Champs Season 3 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo on Friday.

The NSC Chairman commended the organisers, partners, and participants of the MTN Champs for their outstanding contributions to the growth of academicals and grassroots athletics in Nigeria.

His words, "The MTN Champs is a shinning example of how private sector collaboration can drive youth development and sports excellence across the country. Mr. President places so much premium on grassroots development of sports. You will see this in the fact that he appointed an SSA on Grassroots Sports Development. That is why we are very deliberate in ensuring that sports are developed right from the grassroots. We are aggressively pursuing the revival of our school sports. It is a mandate that we must carry out.

"Over the years, we have had issues with our conveyor belt of talents. That is why we find it hard to replace ageing talents. We have set out to ensure that there is regular supply of talents from the grassroots. We can't do this alone without the involvement of the private sector. This is why I must commend MTN for their consistency in this project. This is really the way to go. I am sure that the talents discovered here will serve this nation in a long while to come. We need more of such initiatives. Kudos to MTN."

He noted that the MTN Champs aligns perfectly with the Commission’s RHINSE strategic framework, which prioritises results, holistic development, Inclusion, nationwide impact, sustainability, and engagement in all sports development initiatives.

“The MTN Champs has demonstrated the transformative power of education and grassroots sports programmes. It is a model of how strategic partnerships with the private sector can unearth young talents, inspire communities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Mallam Dikko stated.

The NSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives that align with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports (RHINSE) framework, particularly those focused on creating structured pathways for young athletes to grow into elite performers while receiving education and life skills training.

He further reiterated NSC's commitment and objectives to provide all the enablers to drive grassroots sports and creating a professional pathway for growth as evidenced with the NSC introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) to compete at the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun State under the sponsorship of the commission as the 38th State and the ongoing collaboration with Federal Ministry of Education towards the revival of school sports.

Mallam Dikko applauded MTN Nigeria for setting a commendable template for corporate participation in sports and encouraging other private sector organisations to emulate this example by investing in sustainable developmental sports programmes that empower Nigerian youths and promote national unity.

The NSC Chairman was joined by the Chief Finance Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Modupe Kadiri, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and other dignitaries

The MTN Champs, in its 3rd season, a nationwide school and grassroots athletics competition, witnessed widespread participation from students across Nigeria and served as a platform to identify and nurture the next generation of champions.

On the sidelines of the programmes, the NSC Chairman engaged with MTN executives on further areas of possible collaboration between the two organisations in the advancement of sports in Nigeria. Subsequently MTN reaffirmed its commitment to continued support of the sector.

Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi FCAI,ANIPR

Director Information & PR

NSC

11/5/25