By Aderonke Ojo
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, on Tuesday inaugurated a 28-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2nd African School Games, scheduled to hold in Nigeria in 2027.
Its bid to stage a successful second edition of the African schools Games, tagged Abuja 2027, the National Sports Commission has officially inaugurated the Local Organising Committee for the Games.
The 28 member committee was inaugurated by the Chairman of the, NSC ,with the clear mandate to organise the best ever staged youth Games on the continent
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dikko described the event as a significant milestone for sports, education and youth development in Nigeria and across Africa.
He said Nigeria’s selection to host the Games was both an honour and a responsibility, noting that the continental event would place young people at the centre of Africa’s future.
“This is not just another sporting event. It will be a continental gathering that places our young people at the centre of Africa’s future.
“ By inaugurating the Local Organising Committee today, we are taking the first formal step in turning this opportunity into a success story that Africa will remember,” he said.
Dikko stressed that the African School Games were about more than medals and trophies, but about discipline, character building, friendship and hope among young Africans.
According to him, investing in school sports represents an early and sustainable approach to national and continental development.
“For Nigeria, hosting these Games is a statement. It shows that we believe in grassroots sports and that education and sport must work hand in hand.
“It also demonstrates that we are ready to shape the next generation of African leaders, both in sports and beyond,” he said.
The NSC chairman disclosed that the commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, had established a joint Education-Sports Committee to strengthen the integration of sports into the nation’s educational framework.
He explained that the initiative was designed to align school curricula, talent identification, competitions and welfare structures to promote early participation, inclusiveness and sustainable athlete development.
“Our objective is simple: every child should have the opportunity to discover and develop their sporting potential through education in a structured and supportive environment. Hosting the African School Games fits squarely into this broader national agenda,” he said.
Dikko charged members of the LOC to discharge their duties with professionalism, transparency and accountability, assuring them of the commission’s support.
He also assured African partners and stakeholders that Nigeria was fully committed to delivering a safe, inclusive and well-organised Games that would meet international standards and leave lasting memories for participating athletes.
Director General of the NSC, Honorable Bukola Olopade said hosting the African youth Games in 2027 fits perfectly with the RHINSE ( Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy) agenda of the NSC that prioritises Sports Production.
” We are gradually returning Nigerian sports to where it rightly belongs on the continent and in the World at large, where Nigeria is a viable hub for hosting major international competitions to boost the Country’s sociocultural and economic impact through Sports”.
Chairman of the newly inaugurated LOC Lekan Abari praised the leadership of the NSC led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for the renaissance that is currently going on in Nigerian sports while assuring that his committee will work dedicatedly and transparently to deliver the best ever staged African Youth Games.
Members of the Committee include ; Lekan Abari ( Chairman ) , Bar Musa Amadu ( Deputy Chairman ), Sagaya Abdulmumeen ( secretary), Dr Ibrahim Abdul, Sabina Chikere, Arc Adamu Tanimu, Olubunmi Ola-Oluode, Dr Lydia Gbagi, Olufunke Florence
Olu-young, Dr Oba Funsho Usman, Chief Victor Onogagamue and Farouk Yarma.
Others are Chichi Nwoko, Ebidowei Oweife, chief Amaka Ashiofu, Olalekan Alabi, Tunde Adeluola, Jude Ayandofu, Lanre Ogunjobi, Aisha Shuaibu, Kola Daniel, Dr Ibrahim Gyaran, Femi Ayorinde, Dr Rabiu Mohammed, Yusuf Adamu, Jahnedu Ibekwelu, Gbadebo Oyebola and Barr. Friday Agbom.
The Chairman assured the LOC of the Commission’s total support to deliver on the given assignment while assuring the rest of Africa and ANOCA of the federal Government’s commitment to host an international standard games.