In a landmark meeting held at the National Sports Commission (NSC) Secretariat in Abuja, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko welcomed Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to discuss strategic plans for advancing sports development. The collaboration aims to achieve mutual interests, with a particular focus on leveraging Plateau State’s unique potential for sports excellence.
Building a Foundation for Growth
The discussions culminated in the establishment of a joint-working committee tasked with implementing the objectives set forth during the meeting. Key areas of focus include completing the New Jos Township Stadium—a project to which the Plateau State administration is deeply committed—and revitalizing the NSC Training Center in the state. Both projects align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for sports development and his directive to enhance synergy between national and state-level initiatives.
Governor Mutfwang expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for restoring the National Sports Commission and lauded the appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman. “This is about the first time in sports that everyone is saying the right person was picked,” Governor Mutfwang said. “Monitoring developments in sports since then, there is no doubt that the sector is heading upwards. I am so sure this collaboration will yield desired results because of the man in charge of sports in the country.”
Unlocking Plateau State’s Potential
The collaboration between Plateau State and the NSC highlights the state’s untapped potential in sports. Plateau’s unique high-altitude environment positions it as an ideal location for grooming long-distance runners—a point Mallam Dikko emphasized during the meeting. “For instance, we have to start looking at why we don’t do well in long-distance races like the Kenyans or Ethiopians. If we have to change that trend, we have to factor in places like Plateau and its weather to groom such athletes as well as the facilities we have available,” he noted.
This vision aligns with Plateau State’s commitment to enhancing its sports infrastructure and nurturing talent. The completion of the New Jos Township Stadium and the activation of the NSC Training Center are expected to provide world-class facilities for athletes while fostering a culture of sportsmanship and excellence.
A Shared Optimism for the Future
Both leaders expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to transform sports in Plateau State. Mallam Dikko’s recognition of Governor Mutfwang’s passion for sports and his commitment to driving growth underscores the mutual resolve to achieve tangible results. “Where there is a will, there will surely be a way,” Dikko remarked. “There is a lot that both parties can do together, and when the joint-working committee is set up, we will pick it up from there.”
A New Era for Sports in Plateau State
This partnership marks a turning point for Plateau State and Nigerian sports as a whole. By combining the state’s unique environmental advantages with the NSC’s resources and expertise, the collaboration is set to unlock new opportunities for athletes and elevate the state’s status in national and international sports. The journey ahead is filled with promise, and both parties are committed to ensuring that their shared vision becomes a reality.