NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko Meets Karate Federation to Promote Grassroots Sports Development

By Atobatele Ayomide

Today, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, played host to the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) led by its President, His Excellency Silas Agara, to exchange ideas on promoting grassroots sports in Nigeria.

Agara, who is also the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), described the importance of karate tournaments in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Such events would not only open avenues to new talent but also improve the country’s profile in international sports, he said.

They also underscored karate’s role in inspiring youths and promoting discipline and national unity, a sentiment shared by Commonwealth Games bronze medalists, Rita Ogene and Israel Jegede, who also attended the meet. Their successes highlighted the need for formally structured programs to develop the next generation of champions.

Mallam Dikko, who commended the initiative, reiterated NSC’s determination to continue to promote grass root sports as a veritable means of discovering and nurturing upcoming sportsmen. He highlighted the importance of sports in fostering social cohesion and economic development.

This effort by NSC and KFN is however expected to establish a robust framework for the continued progress of Karate and other grassroots sports and as such setting a new precedent for the development of sport in Nigeria.