NSC Supports Traditional Sports for Global Recognition

The National Sports Commission has shown strong support for traditional sports in Nigeria. The chairman, Shehu Dikko, announced that a special budget has been set up for these sports for the first time ever in Nigeria's sports history.

Dikko made this announcement during a visit to the Abula venue at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Package B, in Abuja on Friday.

He highlighted that traditional sports like Abula, Dambe, Kokuwa, Langa, and Ayo are key parts of Nigeria's sports culture. He believes they deserve more investment, wider participation, and better international recognition.

"For the first time in the history of sports, we have created a specific budget line for traditional sports. If you check the budget of the National Sports Commission, you will see a specific budget line meant to advance the cause of traditional sports," Dikko said.

The NSC chairman also revealed plans to work with the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria. They aim to connect with other African countries and promote Nigerian traditional sports globally. Dikko wants these sports to go beyond festivals and local events and become recognized internationally.

He is hopeful about the growing interest in Nigerian traditional sports, mentioning that investors from Saudi Arabia are showing interest in Dambe and other traditional sports.

"It is not just about having these sports at festivals and local events. We should work to promote them and make them as international as we can," he said.

Dikko also called on traditional rulers in Nigeria to help promote traditional sports. He asked them to cooperate with relevant sports federations to increase the visibility of these sports, just as they have done with horse racing across the country.

"I am calling on traditional rulers across the country to play a greater role in promoting traditional sports, as they have to play a collective role with the relevant sports federations to expand the reach of traditional sports, just as they have done in promoting horse racing across the country," Dikko said.

The NSC chairman urged the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria to take competitions to different regions of the country. He also emphasized the need to get young people involved in traditional sports from an early age.

"We cannot wait until somebody is already an adult before trying to introduce something to them. No, we need to engage in these sports right from school," he added.