As part of its commitment to advancing the sports industry, the National Sports Commission (NSC) on Friday inaugurated the board of the E-Sports Federation of Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
In his keynote address, NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, emphasized that the federation will strive to compete favourably with contemporaries, while also engaging a new generation of young Nigerians in the rapidly growing esports industry.
Addressing the media after the event, NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade highlighted the transformative potential of esports in Nigeria, stating: “Esports will energize and encourage the youth to thrive in the digital space. It is a sport that engages millions, with stakeholders estimating its reach at around 46 million individuals.”
He further acknowledged the long journey toward unifying the e-sports community in Nigeria, adding that “for about six years, there has been a struggle to organize the E-Sports Federation. Unifying e-sports stakeholders to work as one in leveraging an industry valued globally at almost $30 billion is a step in the right direction. I congratulate the NSC and all Nigerians—it’s the beginning of great things for the sports industry.”
“As a former Commissioner for Sports, I can authoritatively say that sports is a powerful tool for job creation, youth engagement, and national development. We want every sport to be an influential contributor to our country’s GDP.”
Also in attendance, was the MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, who stated that the banking industry will drum support for the newly formulated sports federation
The newly inaugurated board consists of 13 members, with Yahaya Maikori serving as President and Pedro Damilola as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Other members include: Emmanuel Oyelakin, Sunny Gullong, Sidney Esiri, Suzan Adenoyi, Ikechukwu Okoye, Kunmi Adenipebi (technical representative), Tunde Onakoya (Int’l representative), Musa Sanusi (athlete representative), Rita Izoje (NAWIS representative) and Clinton Agbor (NAFA Representative/Vice President)
