By Olawale Lawanson Alabi

Abuja —— The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, says First Bank’s sponsorship of the maiden Samuel Okwaraji Memorial Under-16 Secondary Schools Football Championship is a major step towards the revitalisation of football in Nigeria.

Olopade, while speaking on Monday in Abuja at a press conference to unveil the maiden edition of the competition, noted that its impact would extend far beyond the present generation.

“This is vital in creating opportunities for both boys and girls, while also promoting gender inclusion in sports,” he said.

While reflecting on a that tragic moment in Nigeria’s football history when Okwaraji died during a live match, the NSC Director-General said it was an incident which left a lasting impression on many who witnessed it.

“The death however became a source of inspiration, shaping career paths and motivating countless young Nigerians to strive for excellence,” he said.

Olopade commended Senator Osita Izunaso for efforts to preserve Okwaraji’s legacy through initiatives focused on youth development, saying such programmes as supported by First Bank of Nigeria are crucial in the ongoing sports rebirth.

He also praised ongoing reforms at the National Institute of Sports (NIS), linking them to the broader agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which recognises sports as a key driver of youth empowerment and national development.

He emphasised that sports is increasingly contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), stating that major competitions such as the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and National Para Games continue to generate employment and support small-scale businesses nationwide.

Olopade then urged the media to support the sector’s growth through balanced and constructive reporting, urging stakeholders to build strong partnerships that would sustain investment and long-term development in Nigerian sports.

Key stakeholders present at the event including representatives of First Bank Nigeria Plc, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), schools sports administrators, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).(www.crestnewsonline.ng)

*Edited by Shareef Ibala