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Abuja Hosts High-Level Book Launch as Ikpeme Unveils Sports Development Blueprint
The Nigerian sporting and political elite converged in Abuja on Thursday as the incumbent Deputy General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, unveiled his book titled “Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Ways Forward.”
The event drew an impressive cross-section of national leadership, including representatives of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, alongside delegates from three serving state governors and former governors such as Liyel Imoke and Christopher Osondu.
Also in attendance were serving ministers, former cabinet members including former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, top government officials, academics, religious leaders, and senior figures in Nigeria’s sports administration. Representatives of the NFF President and both serving and former officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) were also present.
Chairing the occasion, Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry and former sports minister, praised Dr Ikpeme for documenting his experience in sports administration and academia.
He described sports as a critical component of social infrastructure, stressing that it should be used intentionally for youth development. He further emphasised the need for sustainable reforms, warning that they must be protected from frequent policy reversals that hinder long-term progress.
In his remarks, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the work as a valuable contribution to sports governance discourse. He, however, suggested the inclusion of an additional chapter reflecting ongoing reforms under the current administration.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to professionalising the sports sector and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically slowed progress.
He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure initiatives, including maintenance of existing facilities and the development of mini-stadiums across universities nationwide, noting that several approvals had been secured recently with presidential backing.
The VIP lounge of the MKO Abiola National Stadium was filled with a wide array of prominent figures, including NSC leadership such as Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, representatives of the Minister of Defence and Minister of Youth Development, as well as former NSC DG and FIFA Executive Committee member Amos Adamu.
Others included NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, former NFF General Secretary Barr. Musa Amadu, and former NPFL Secretary Salihu Abubakar. The NFF was also represented by its top management team.
Football stakeholders in attendance included Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, former internationals Emmanuel Amuneke, Olufemi Ajilore, and Anthony Ujah.
Other notable attendees included former presidential aide Dr Tunde Olishile, former NFF board member High Chief Emeka Inyama, Professor Florence Adeyanju of NAPHER-SD, and Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, who served as the book reviewer.
The book launch also featured significant financial pledges. Chief launcher Hon. Kunle Soname, represented at the event, reportedly purchased copies worth ₦10 million. Friends of Senator Enoh and members of God’s Chosen International Church also contributed at the same level.
Mallam Shehu Dikko acquired copies worth ₦3 million, while NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade contributed ₦2 million. Dr Mohammed Sanusi and the NFF management each pledged ₦1 million, with several other donors declining to disclose their contributions.
The event concluded with widespread commendation for Dr Ikpeme’s work, which stakeholders described as a timely reference point for addressing structural challenges in Nigerian sports administration and development.
