By Ado Salisu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to host a memorable Africa Schools Games in Abuja in 2027.
This assurance was given by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, on Tuesday, June 9, during a meeting with a delegation from the ANOCA Africa Schools Games Coordination Commission.
The ANOCA Africa Schools Games Coordination Commission is on a working visit to Nigeria ahead of the Africa Schools Games scheduled to be held in Abuja in 2027.
During the visit, which runs from June 8 to 11, members of the ANOCA Commission are expected to hold strategic meetings with the Local Organising Committee and other relevant stakeholders.
They will also inspect the proposed competition and non-competition venues designated for the Abuja 2027 Africa Schools Games.
The ANOCA Commission is led by its Chairman, João Da Costa Manuel of São Tomé and Príncipe. Other members of the delegation include Gaby Ahrens Diana (Namibia), Ben Mensah Nunoo (Ghana), Jappie Mhango (Malawi’s Minister of Transportation), Pedro Celestino Godinho (Angola), Olajide Adebola (Nigeria), and Wedu Motswetla (ANOCA). Meanwhile, Fardouza Moussa Egueh (Djibouti), Habu Ahmed Gumel (Nigeria), and Nah Boudina (Tunisia) sent their apologies for being unable to attend.
Speaking at the event, Mallam Dikko noted that hosting the Games aligns with the mandate given to the NSC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said: “We are committed to hosting the best Games ever because it aligns with the vision of our President, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the development of sports from the grassroots.
“This is the foundation of sports, not only in Nigeria but across Africa, and we must get it right.
“Here in Nigeria, we are working hard to revive school sports. The Minister of Education and I are working closely on this initiative as directed by the President. Hosting these Games will further advance that vision.”
He added: “We are embarking on a massive infrastructure renewal programme, and events such as this will provide an opportunity to showcase what we are putting in place.
“The President has also mandated us to harness the potential of the sports economy, and hosting international sporting events will contribute significantly to that objective.”
The NSC Chairman also assured the delegation of the President’s personal support for the Games.
“The headquarters of ANOCA is here in Abuja, so you are part and parcel of this country. It is also important to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a patron of ANOCA. By the grace of God, he will be available to declare the Games open,” he said.
Earlier, the Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to hosting a world-class event.
“We have never failed in hosting major sporting events. Whether it was the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the FIFA U-20 World Cup, or the 2003 All Africa Games, Nigeria has always proven to be an excellent host. This event will be no exception.
“I was in Algiers when we approached ANOCA about hosting the Schools Games, and the NSC Chairman directed that we bring the hosting rights home. We are delighted that ANOCA entrusted us with this responsibility.
“We are proud to partner with ANOCA and can assure you that we will not fail. We have the expertise and infrastructure needed to deliver a landmark event, and once again, we will organise a Games of the highest standard,” he said.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the ANOCA Coordination Commission, João Da Costa Manuel, thanked Nigeria for accepting to host the Games.
“Thank you for accepting to host these Games. We have not come to give orders because we know you have capable hands to deliver this project. It is only customary for the ANOCA Commission to engage with the Local Organising Committee and offer our support,” he said.
He added: “The athletes are at the heart of the Olympic Movement because without them, there would be no competition. That is why we are pleased that Nigeria has accepted to host these Games. The success of the Schools Games is important to us because it will help us discover the future sporting stars of Africa.”