Trailblazing Duo: Bukola and Yetunde Olopade Leading Sports Revolution in Nigeria
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Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Olopade, the managing director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited has successfully carved a niche for herself within a short time of taking over the leadership of Nilayo Sports Management Limited from her husband, Hon Bukola Olopade, who is currently the Director General of the National Sports Commission.
Under her dynamic leadership, she has organised globally acclaimed events like the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City half marathon, Nilayo flagship marathon- Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, and the Yenagoa City International 10km race.
As a mark of honour, Mrs Olopade was named among Africa’ 50 most influential women in sports for 2025, making a big statement and solidifying Nilayo’ position as Nigeria’ leading sports management and marketing firm. These giant strides have shown Yetunde Olopade as an astute and visionary leader in management and sports.
Only recently the amazon with a midas touch received the prestigious Newstap SWAN 5-Star award for outstanding contributions to sports marketing and event management in Nigeria.
Tayo Ogunseye caught up with her, and she had these words to say.
“I feel so elated and happy to be recognised in a male dominated industry even though there has been an inclusion of women lately in the industry.
I am happy that Nilayo Sports Management is being recognised for the wonderful job we have been doing. ”
She further went on to say the recognition is a propeller to do more and also an acknowledgement that we were doing something different and great.
” I am going to task my team to do more and be more intentional in what we are doing in sports, including para sports.
On the impact of the award.
” Recognition gives you the will to do more , give your best, and certainty make more impact in Sports in Nigeria and Africa.” She concluded.
Not surprising, Mrs Olopade, before the Newstap SWAN 5-Star award, was recognised as one of the most influential 50 women in sports in Africa. A recognition fuelled by the magnificent strides in road racing in Nigeria and Africa.
On the other hand, Hon Bukola Olopade is the Director General of the National Sports Commission.
A one-time sports commissioner for youth and sports in Ogun State during Otunba’ Gbenga Daniel’ administration , making him one of the youngest commissioners in Nigeria at the time.
His age was notwithstanding , Hon. Olopade took giant strides in changing the sports landscape in Ogun State.
His focus on talent development was unmatched. He supported local athletes’ partnerships in national and international competitions.
He also successfully organised the biggest and the best sports festival in the history of Nigeria and tagged the Gateway Games in 2006, thus boosting sports tourism and local engagement.
His tenure had infrastructure development as a core assignment. The stadia and other sporting facilities were either rebuilt , upgraded, and enhanced to meet up with global standards.
Presently, as the Director General of the National Sports Commission, his involvement in sports has heightened the awareness of youngsters on the advantages of participating in sports.
His style, transparency, and the urge for success are enviable and a great source of motivation for athletes.
His glowing achievement as the DG of the National Sports Commission include but are not limited to a Robust Sports Development initiatives , he is a driving force behind the Renewed Hope Initiative For Nigeria’ Sports Economy ( RHINSE) to transform sports into a trillion naira contributor to the national economy by 2030.
Hon. Olopade also emphasized
the importance of media in sports development, proposing digital sports content hub and media partnership frame work to enhance visibility and commercial opportunities.
The former commissioner of sports has been instrumental in promoting para sports in Nigeria. His emphasis is on supporting para athletes.
” With support and encouragement, para athletes can bring glory to the nation just like their able bodied counter parts .” He emphasised.
Under the astute administration of Hon. Olopade as the engine room of NSC, Nigeria successfully hosted the innagural West Africa Para Games, showcasing the country’s commitment to para sports development.
He has also consistently encouraged para athletes to stay focused and compete with determination, highlighting the NSC commitment to supporting and elevating para spirit in Nigeria.
Hon. Olopade’s passion for sports has been shown in the implementation of the NSC policies and expert supervision of all sports Federations.
He is determined to restore Nigeria’ global sporting glory.
With master degree in sports management and also read Law in the United kingdom, Hon. Olopade is fully equipped to administer NSC to enviable heights.
He was recently honoured as the sports administrator of the year , an honour that was truly befitting and spoke volumes of his consistency and hard work in elevating sports and bringing glory in Nigeria’ Sports.
There is no denying the fact that Hon Bukola and Yetunde Olopade are one unique couple, rare gems, fully focused on revolutionising sports in Nigeria.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
