By Andrew Abah
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has concluded arrangements for the hosting of the 2nd National Council on Sports, scheduled to take place from 25th to 29th November 2025 in Calabar, Cross River State.
The annual gathering remains Nigeria’s highest policy-making platform on sports development, bringing together state Commissioners of Sports, senior government officials, sports administrators, and key stakeholders from across the nation.
This year’s Council Meeting is themed: “The Business of Sports — Creating Jobs, Wealth and Utility under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The theme aligns strongly with the sports transformation vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose administration continues to position sports as a viable economic sector capable of generating employment, stimulating investments, and expanding national opportunities for youth engagement.
Under the policy direction of the Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Council will focus on strategic reforms that elevate sports from a social activity to a structured business enterprise with clear development pathways, revenue windows, and measurable impact on national growth.
Dikko has consistently stressed the need for innovation, accountability, and sustainable systems in sports administration—a direction that will shape deliberations throughout the event.
Also central to the success of the Council Meeting is the leadership of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, whose proactive engagement with states and stakeholders has ensured wide participation ahead of the Calabar gathering.
The DG emphasized that the Council provides a platform where “ideas meet policy, and policy meets implementation,” reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to building a modern sports ecosystem for Nigeria.
This year’s event is being hosted in Calabar through the gracious support of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu, a strong advocate of sports-driven youth development and community engagement.
Governor Otu has assured participants of a warm reception and an enabling environment for fruitful deliberations at the Cross River State Library Complex, beside the U.J. Esuene Stadium, the official venue of the Council Meeting. Sessions will begin daily at 9:00 a.m.
Participants will examine key areas including sports financing, infrastructure development, talent production systems, grassroots mobilisation, sports tourism, digital innovation, and institutional partnerships. Recommendations from the Council will feed into national policy for the 2025/2026 sports year.
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