No Leadership Rift at NSC – Olopade

Olopade (first from left) flanked by SWAN National President Isaiah Benjamin and Director of Press NSC, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi during the press briefing.

By Ikemefuna Asika

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has denied any leadership rift between him and the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Diko. Olopade made this assertion while addressing sports journalists at the media center during the 9th National Youth Games, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

He dismissed claims of a supposed conflict between them as baseless and unfounded.

“It is not only ludicrous, but also shameful for any journalist to publish such a narrow-minded and senseless story,” “I have already reported this matter to the President of SWAN, but I think it is important to clear the air here and now.”Olopade said.

“There are no issues,” he stated.

Olopade further explained, “Shehu Dikko and I are focused on the task at hand. We are concentrating on innovation and working hard to establish a system that is production-oriented, not consumption-driven.”

“This story is something we will never forget—it was written recklessly and irresponsibly.”

“There are no issues between Gusau, Sanusi, Shehu Dikko, and myself. We are a family. We are all driven by the same goals. We are a united team, including the NIS director, who works under the sports commission. Any attempt to sow division among us will be met with prayers for those involved. I urge everyone to stop this false narrative,”

Olopade also reiterated the NSC’s positive relationship with other federation presidents, saying, “We are working hard to ensure smooth and fair federation elections. We have just appointed an electoral body, led by a distinguished individual, to oversee a transparent election that will make the country proud.”

Reflecting on previous successes, he said, “We’ve conducted two elections so far, both of which received high praise. Now is the time to celebrate peace in Nigerian sports not to spread lies, foster animosity, or allow unnecessary insults to arise, whether from the media or elsewhere.”

He said that his is the time for us to work together as a family.

“God bless SWAN, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”he added.

Olopade also shared that Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host the 2031 Commonwealth Games, emphasizing that, “For now, however, our focus remains on securing victories in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.”