The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and unwavering support for sports development in the country.

Gumel, in a statement issued by the committee’s spokesperson, Tony Nezianya, said President Bola Tinubu’s proactive approach had propelled Nigerian sports to remarkable heights within a short period.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, I wish to express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactiveness towards sports development,” Gumel said.

He noted that the President’s recognition of the socio-economic potential of sports and the inauguration of a focused leadership team had repositioned the sector for excellence.

“The timely release of funds has been a game-changer, enabling sports managers to achieve milestones that were previously thought impossible,” he stated.

The NOC president also praised the appointments of Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Bukola Olopade as Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), describing them as “masterstrokes” in the administration’s quest for sporting excellence.

“The nation is witnessing a paradigm shift in sports administration because the President appointed two focused individuals to lead the NSC,” Gumel said.

He added that their performances before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Sports during budget defence demonstrated progressive ideas and dedication to national goals.

According to him, the renewed focus is already producing tangible results, reflected in Nigeria’s increasing medal haul at international competitions.

“The significant number of medals recorded within this short timeframe is an indication of the effectiveness of the current administration’s policies,” he said.

Gumel expressed optimism that with sustained reforms and collaboration, Nigerian sports would achieve greater global success.

“The Nigeria Olympic Committee reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with the NSC leadership to foster talent development and ensure the nation’s success at upcoming international competitions,” he stated.

He recalled that a year ago, such achievements appeared unattainable.

“However, today, it is a reality driven by the President’s vision to transform sports into a major economic pillar, as Dikko and Olopade have delivered a masterclass in administration.

“The results speak for themselves, with 373 medals in international competitions, ₦50 billion in private sector investment secured and over 140,000 jobs created.

“By combining timely funding with progressive structural reforms, we are not just winning medals; we are building a sustainable sports economy that contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product,” Gumel said.