Economic Game Changer: Sports Tipped to Propel Nigeria's Economy Beyond 50%!

Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has asserted that the sports sector holds significant potential to contribute over 50 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if developed effectively. She described sports as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and fostering national unity. These remarks were made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Omidiran, who previously served as an Executive Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and a member of FIFA’s Women’s Football Committee, underscored that sports should be re-evaluated not merely as entertainment but as a strategic sector capable of transforming the nation’s economy. She stated, “Sports is more than entertainment; it keeps communities together, strengthens families and, if properly harnessed, can contribute more than 50 per cent of a nation’s GDP. Nigeria is not there yet, but this administration is genuinely committed to unlocking the immense benefits of a vibrant sporting ecosystem.”

A significant highlight of the visit was Omidiran’s formal acceptance of her nomination as the first-ever National Matron of SWAN, an honor she described as profound. Pledging her unwavering support, Omidiran assured SWAN members of her active involvement in advancing the association’s programs. “I accepted immediately because it is a great honour. I will not be a silent matron. When I am with you, you will know I am with you. The Federal Character Commission will stand with SWAN, and I will support your programmes in every way possible,” she affirmed.

Earlier in the meeting, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin extended congratulations to Omidiran for her transformative leadership at the FCC, commending her dedication to institutional reforms, transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of equity and fairness. He also acknowledged her significant contributions to sports administration, particularly her strong advocacy for women’s sports and youth development, which he noted made her an exceptionally fitting choice as the association’s inaugural National Matron. Benjamin expressed confidence that her support would strengthen collaboration between SWAN and the FCC.

Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran is scheduled to be formally decorated as SWAN’s first National Matron during the association’s National Triennial Congress, slated for August 2026. This congress will also serve as a platform for sports journalists from across Nigeria to elect new national officers and establish the future trajectory of sports journalism in the country.