NUGA 2025: Dikko vows to enhance Nigerian university games
The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to sports development in the country.
Dikko, while expressing satisfaction with the upcoming Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), described it as a landmark event to discover young, talented athletes from the grassroots across all local government areas in the country.
According to him, the Commission is optimistic that the NUGA sports tournaments will attract young, talented Nigerians, whose careers in sports have yet to be brought to the limelight.
He added that NUGA has taken a significant step towards enhancing its 2025 championship by partnering with the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Youth Development, Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other relevant agencies.
He stressed that the event has come at a time President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to developing sports and creating millions of jobs for the teeming youths, is in power.
Dikko held that NUGA 2025 will stand out due to its structured roadmap and solid backing of President Tinubu, whom he commended for his dedication to youths’ development.
He stressed that the impact of the competition will go beyond a single year in empowering young people and helping them become champions on the international stage throughout their careers.
According to him, NUGA 2025 aims to promote peace and unity in communities where divisions exist.
He frowned that NUGA had been absent from the national spotlight for some time, which he said had affected its visibility and impact. He, however, assured of a renewed strategy that would uplift youths at the grassroots.
“Now that it is our responsibility as government, we are working hard to use NUGA as a platform to empower university students, create jobs and distribute wealth for our youths,” he added.
Dikko, therefore, urged participating universities to give their best and maintain discipline, noting that this year’s tournament could open global opportunities for the athletes.
