By Peter Adelowo
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated a 28-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2nd African Youth Games scheduled to hold in Abuja in 2027.
At the inauguration ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, charged members of the committee to deliver what he described as the best African Youth Games ever staged on the continent.
Mallam Dikko assured the committee of the Commission’s full support and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting a safe, well-organised and internationally acclaimed event.
He emphasised the need for effective planning, transparency, coordination and teamwork to ensure success.
Director General of the NSC, Mr. Bukola Olopade, said hosting the Games aligns with the Commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE), which focuses on sports development and production.
He noted that the event would further position Nigeria as a viable hub for major international competitions, with attendant socio-cultural and economic benefits.
Chairman of the LOC, Lekan Abari, commended the NSC leadership for ongoing reforms in the sports sector and pledged the committee’s commitment to delivering a memorable tournament.
The committee comprises key stakeholders in the sports sector, including Bar Musa Amadu as Deputy Chairman and Sagaya Abdulmumeen as Secretary, alongside other experienced administrators and professionals.
The African Youth Games is expected to bring together young athletes from across the continent, further boosting Nigeria’s profile in international sports.
