My Sports Agenda for North-West Development Commission

It is evident that the North-West Development Commission, like similar development commissions established for other regions, was created to complement and strengthen the efforts already being made by the federal, state, and local governments.

Its primary purpose is to add greater value by addressing region-specific challenges, accelerating development, and bridging gaps where existing interventions may be insufficient.

Through targeted programs, strategic investments, and coordinated planning, the Commission is expected to enhance socio-economic growth and ensure more inclusive and sustainable development across the North-West region.

With these considerations at the back of our minds, I find it necessary to formally write to the North-West Development Commission to draw its attention to a very important sector which, if properly addressed and given the required priority, will usher in sustainable and unending development to the region.

This is especially crucial given the fact that the North-West has been left far behind in many aspects of development, and timely intervention in this key sector can serve as a catalyst for meaningful growth and long-term progress across the region.

I am confident that everyone will agree with me that the North-West region is the most populous among all the regions in the country.

And a significant proportion of this population is made up of young people, who constitute the largest segment.

Unfortunately, many of these youths are idle, underutilized, and lack adequate opportunities to productively engage their energy, talents, and potential for the development of the region and the nation at large.

And I strongly believe that sports remains one of the best, if not the most effective, avenues for meaningfully engaging these youths, channelling their energy and talents into positive, productive, and socially beneficial pursuits.

Through sports, they can be positively occupied, develop discipline and teamwork, discover their talents, and become productive and useful not only to themselves, but also to their families, the North-West region, and the country as a whole.

That is why I wish to formally propose to the Commission that sports should be included among its core areas of activities, in the same way the Niger Delta Development Commission has successfully embraced and promoted sports initiatives.

I strongly believe this will serve as a practical and effective strategy for youth engagement because I see this as one of the surest, if not the only, opportunities to drastically reduce unemployment among our teeming jobless youths, because sports today is no longer just a recreational activity; it has evolved into a major provider of employment.

It creates jobs directly and indirectly for athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, medical personnel, media practitioners, and many others, thereby contributing significantly to economic growth and social stability in the region.

In carrying out this noble, purposeful, and impactful task, I expect the Commission to engage and consult widely with experts and technocrats, who are in abundance across the region, to develop a clear and well-structured blueprint on how to achieve meaningful, sustainable, and result-oriented development through sports.

Such a collaborative approach will guarantee professionalism, enhance efficiency, and ensure the long-term sustainability and overall success of the initiative.

I see this initiative, if properly planned and effectively implemented, as a driving force for a long-term vision aimed at producing podium-ready athletes and repositioning the North-West as a formidable powerhouse in Nigerian sports.

To achieve the desired outcomes and ensure effective implementation of this initiative, the Commission will require the following key measures and strategic actions:

1. POLICY RATIONALE

Sports remain one of the most effective instruments for youth engagement, social cohesion, talent identification, health promotion, security enhancement, and economic diversification.

The North-West region, endowed with a large youth population and a vibrant sporting culture, requires a coordinated regional sports framework that goes beyond fragmented and isolated state-level interventions.

This Sports Agenda therefore proposes a regionally integrated sports development system anchored on capacity building, infrastructure development, grassroots participation, structured elite performance pathways, and the hosting and commercialisation of sports competitions, to ensure sustainable growth and long-term impact across the region.

2. VISION STATEMENT

To position the North-West region as a nationally recognized hub for grassroots talent development, elite sports excellence, and a sustainable sports economy, driven by inclusive participation, modern infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and a clear pathway from discovery to high-performance achievement

3. CORE OBJECTIVES
4. a)     To build and strengthen technical, administrative, and athletic capacity across the region through structured training, certification, and continuous development programmes.
5. b)     To develop, upgrade, and rehabilitate standard sports infrastructure that meets national and international requirements.
6. c)     To strengthen grassroots participation by leveraging schools, community clubs, and local competitions as foundational platforms for talent discovery.
7. d)     To establish clear, transparent, and sustainable pathways that enable athletes to progress seamlessly from grassroots levels to elite and high-performance stages.
8. e)   To promote and attract the hosting of regional, national, and international sports competitions as a means of exposure, tourism, and regional integration.
9. f)   To create employment opportunities and generate economic value by developing sports as a viable industry, supporting entrepreneurship, and stimulating related sectors.
10. PILLAR ONE: CAPACITY BUILDING & HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
11. a) Athlete Development

• Organize annual North-West Talent Identification Camps for youths aged 10–21, aimed at discovering and nurturing promising talents across various sports.
• Establish scholarship and structured mentorship programmes to support outstanding athletes academically, technically, and morally, ensuring balanced personal and career development.
• Provide comprehensive sports science support, including nutrition guidance, psychological conditioning, fitness assessment, and injury prevention and management, to enhance performance, longevity, and athlete welfare.

1. b) Coaches & Technical Officials

• Implement regional certification programmes in collaboration with National Sports Federationsand international bodies such as CAF, FIFA, WA, and IOC, to ensure coaches and officials meet global standards.
• Organize Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshopsto keep coaches and technical officials updated with the latest techniques, rules, and best practices.
• Place special emphasis on the recruitment, training, and empowerment of female coachesand officials in para-sports, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sports ecosystem.

1. c) Sports Administrators & Managers

• Provide comprehensive training in sports administration and governanceto equip administrators with the skills to effectively manage sports organizations and programmes.
• Offer specialized courses in financial management, event organization, and sports lawto ensure professional, transparent, and legally compliant operations.
• Deploy trained Sports Development Officers (SDOs)across all states to oversee, coordinate, and implement sports programmes, ensuring consistency, accountability, and regional integration.

5. PILLAR TWO: SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
6. a) Regional Flagship Projects

• Establish one North-West High-Performance Sports Centreat a central location to serve as the hub for elite athlete training and competitions.
• Develop a Regional Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Centreto provide world-class medical, physiotherapy, and recovery services for athletes.
• Construct athletes’ hostels and residential training camp facilitiesto support intensive training programmes, ensuring athletes have safe, comfortable, and fully equipped living and learning environments.

1. b) State & Community Infrastructure

• Undertake the rehabilitation of existing stadiums and sports complexesto meet national and international standards.
• Construct mini-stadiums at senatorial district levelsto decentralize access to sports facilities and promote regional competitions.
• Develop community sports hubs in local government areasto encourage grassroots participation and nurture local talent.
• Upgrade and standardize school sports facilities, including tracks, courts, and pitches, to provide students with safe and functional spaces for physical education and talent development.

1. c) Maintenance & Sustainability

• Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)for the efficient management, operation, and upkeep of sports facilities.
• Establish a clear facility usage policyto ensure that schools, clubs, and communities have equitable and organized access to sports infrastructure.
• Integrate solar-powered and environmentally friendly technologiesin the construction and operation of sports facilities to ensure sustainability, reduce operational costs, and promote green initiatives.

6. PILLAR THREE: GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION & SCHOOL SPORTS
7. a) School Sports Development

• Revive inter-primary, junior, and senior secondary school sports competitionsto foster healthy competition, talent discovery, and early athlete development.
• Organize an annual North-West School Sports Festivalto provide a platform for showcasing young talent and encouraging regional camaraderie among students.
• Integrate sports into school health and education programmes, promoting physical fitness, wellness, teamwork, and life skills alongside academic development.

1. b) Community & Local Clubs

• Provide support for community-based sports clubsto strengthen grassroots engagement and talent development.
• Offer equipment grants and starter kitsto grassroots clubs, ensuring they have the necessary tools to train and compete effectively.
• Organize Local Government Area (LGA)-level leaguesin football, athletics, volleyball, basketball, handball, and traditional sports to promote regular competition, community participation, and the discovery of new talent.

1. c) Inclusion & Gender Balance

• Implement dedicated programmes for girls and womento promote equal opportunities and empower female athletes at all levels.
• Develop specialized para-sports initiativesfor persons with disabilities, ensuring access to training, competition, and development pathways.
• Conduct community awareness campaignsto foster a culture of inclusive sports participation, emphasizing the value of diversity, equality, and social cohesion in athletics.

7. PILLAR FOUR: ELITE ATHLETES & CLUB DEVELOPMENT
8. a) Elite Performance Pathways

• Establish a structured progression pathwaythat guides athletes from school → community clubs → state teams → regional teams → national level, ensuring consistent development and exposure at every stage.
• Develop a regional talent database and athlete tracking systemto monitor performance, progression, and potential, enabling data-driven decisions for athlete support, selection, and elite development programs.

1. b) Club Support & Professionalization

• Provide capacity-building programmes for club administratorsto enhance management, governance, and operational efficiency.
• Offer licensing support for clubsto ensure compliance with national league standards and facilitate their participation in higher-level competitions.
• Deliver targeted financial and logistical support for outstanding regional clubs, enabling them to compete effectively, attract talent, and contribute to the professionalization of sports in the North-West.

1. c) Athlete Welfare

• Implement comprehensive insurance and medical coverage schemesto protect athletes against injuries and ensure timely access to healthcare.
• Develop career transition and post-sports education programmesto support athletes in planning for life after sports, including skill development, higher education, and alternative career opportunities.

8. PILLAR FIVE: COMPETITIONS, EVENTS & HOSTING
9. a) Regional Competitions

• Organize an annual North-West Sports Festivalto showcase regional talent, foster unity, and encourage healthy competition across states.
• Conduct Inter-State Youth Gamesto provide young athletes with exposure, experience, and a platform to progress through elite performance pathways.
• Host Regional Para-Sports Championshipsto promote inclusivity, highlight the abilities of athletes with disabilities, and encourage wider community participation in adaptive sports.

1. b) Hosting National & International Events

• Engage in strategic biddingto host major events, including National Sports Festivals, Federation Championships, and International Invitational Tournaments, positioning the North-West as a premier sports destination.
• Upgrade and standardize facilitiesto meet national and international hosting requirements, ensuring world-class venues that can accommodate athletes, officials, and spectators efficiently.
• Leverage hosted events to boost tourism, generate revenue, and create employment opportunities, while showcasing the region’s sporting potential on a larger stage.

1. c) Sports Tourism & Economy

• Promote sports tourismby linking sporting events with regional cultural festivals, creating unique experiences that attract visitors and boost local economies.
• Actively engage local businesses, hospitality providers, and media partnersto maximize economic opportunities, sponsorship, and community participation.
• Strategically brand the North-West as a premier sports destination, enhancing its reputation, attracting investment, and fostering a sustainable sports-driven economy.

9. IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
10. a) Governance Structure

• Establish a dedicated NWDC Sports Development Desk/Departmentto oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the Sports Agenda.
• Form a Regional Sports Advisory Councilcomprising representatives from states, national federations, and the private sector to provide strategic guidance, policy oversight, and ensure multi-stakeholder collaboration.

1. b) Funding Mechanisms

• Allocate a consistent NWDC budgetary provisionto support core programmes and infrastructure projects.
• Leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)to attract investment, expertise, and shared responsibility in sports development.
• Secure grants, sponsorships, and support from donor agenciesto supplement funding and expand programme reach.
• Utilize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributionsfrom local and international companies to fund community and grassroots initiatives.

1. c) Monitoring & Evaluation

• Establish annual performance benchmarksto measure progress against set objectives, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
• Conduct independent project auditsto verify the proper use of resources, compliance with standards, and effectiveness of implemented programmes.
• Prepare comprehensive impact assessment reportsto evaluate social, economic, and sporting outcomes, providing insights for policy refinement and future planning.

10. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

• Increased youth engagement and reduced social vices, as more young people participate in structured sports programmes and community activities.
• Improved regional sports performance at the national level, with athletes from the North-West achieving greater success and recognition.
• Job creation in sports and allied industries, including coaching, administration, facility management, sports media, and event organization.
• Enhanced unity and regional identity, fostering pride, collaboration, and social cohesion across the seven states.
• A sustainable sports ecosystem contributing to economic growth, through sports tourism, commercialisation of events, and the development of related industries.

Conclusively, I am confident that the North-West Development Commission is strategically positioned to harness sports as a powerful tool for development, unity, and shared prosperity, driving youth empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable growth across the region.

The adoption of this Sports Agenda will guarantee a well-coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable sports framework across the seven states, fostering talent development, strengthening social cohesion, empowering youths, and ultimately repositioning the North-West as a hub of sporting excellence and long-term socio-economic growth.

I therefore strongly recommend the immediate establishment of a North-West Sports Development Programme (NWSDP) as a flagship initiative of the Commission, designed to serve as a strategic and institutional framework for identifying, nurturing, and developing sporting talents across the region.

This programme would not only harness the immense youth potential of the North-West but also promote unity, healthy competition, and socio-economic development, while positioning the Commission as a key driver of sustainable sports growth and excellence in the region.