‘We have to start looking at why we don’t do well in long distance races like the Kenyans or Ethiopians,’ Says Dikko as NSC hosts Plateau state Governor

The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on Friday received Plateau State Governor Bar. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang  in the NSC Secretariat in Abuja. The visit enabled both parties to discuss strategic roadmap to advance issues of mutual interest in sports.

Rising from the meeting, they resolved to set up a joint-working committee to implement the objectives set in the areas identified.

Among wide-ranging issues, discussions included the state collaborating with the Commission in the state’s intention to complete the New Jos Township Stadium, a project the present administration is committed to executing.

Similarly, the NSC will activate the Commission’s Training Center in Plateau including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approval for the NSC to align with the state government regarding the asset.

Governor Mutfwang  applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring the National Sports Commission and appointing Dikko as Chairman. He expressed his confidence in Dikko’s capacity to take Nigerian Sports forward.

“I have been following closely everything said about this appointment. This is about the first time in sports that everyone is saying that the right person was picked.

‘We must thank Mr. President for getting this spot-on. Monitoring developments in sports since then, there is no doubt that the sector is heading upwards.

‘I am so sure that this collaboration will yield desired results because of the man in charge of sports in the country”, he said.

Mallam Dikko is similarly optimistic about the collaboration.

His words, “It is interesting to note the vast knowledge His Excellency has about sports and his commitment to drive its growth in Plateau state.

‘Where there is a will there will surely be a way. Plateau is a place of interest to us. 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 a places like Plateau and its weather to groom such athletes as well as the facilities we have available.

‘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.”