The National Sports Commission (NSC), through its Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RC&SI) Department, has organized a sensitization workshop to promote innovation as a critical tool for enhancing productivity and operational efficiency, in line with the Commission’s reform agenda and vision.

The one-day workshop, themed "Promoting Innovation for Improved Operational Efficiency in the National Sports Commission," was held at the Media Center of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Directorof Human Resource Management, Barry Ndubuisi Odii, emphasized the importance of innovation in driving transformation across the sports sector.

“Sports organizations evolve through creative thinking, adaptation, and the continuous generation of novel ideas,” he said. “As a Commission, we bear the responsibility of identifying new and more effective ways to operate, enhance performance, and deliver value across the sports ecosystem.”

Hon. Olopade commended the initiative of the RC&SI department, describing the workshop as both timely and strategic.

He expressed satisfaction with the Commission's alignment with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly the drive to make sports a key contributor to the Nigerian economy through the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

He added, “I am very happy that the National Sports Commission has firmly keyed into the RHINSE framework, structured by the Commission’s leadership to reset, refocus, and relaunch the sports sector.”

The DG noted that, globally, sports organizations have embraced innovation to transform how sports are played, viewed, and managed. He stressed that these strategies could significantly reshape the Nigerian sports landscape through strategic thinking, innovation, and effective management.

However, he pointed out that despite global advancements, limited scholarly attention has been given to the role of innovation and strategic management in sports within the African context.

“Today’s workshop demonstrates that innovation and its strategic application are critical not only for athletic performance but also for the sustainability and success of sports institutions,” he stated.

He cited emerging research which shows that sports innovation can address major challenges such as social exclusion, revenue generation, talent development, and the integration of high-tech solutions.

“Innovation enhances comprehensive efficiency, strengthens competitiveness, and fosters inclusive growth,” he added.

The Director General concluded by encouraging further research and sustained implementation of innovative practices that can revolutionize the sector. He charged the staff to see themselves not merely as participants but as key drivers of the transformation that the Commission and Nigeria urgently needs.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, explained that the workshop was designed to emphasize the relevance of innovation and strategic management in sports science and administration. He urged participants to utilize the opportunity to acquire practical skills that can be applied in their daily responsibilities.

The workshop facilitator, Dr. John M. Olusola, a former Director of Civil Service Transformation at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), highlighted the relevance of the training to the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025). He stressed that innovation is essential to reform, and encouraged participants to integrate innovative thinking into their operational systems.

“For the sports sector to truly evolve, we must commit to bringing in new ideas and approaches to service delivery,” he said.

Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR

Director, Information and Public Relations

July 11, 2025