Ikpeme’s Sports Development Book Launched to National Acclaim

Nigeria’s sports community converged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, for the public presentation of Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Ways Forward, a new book by Dr Emmanuel Edem Ikpeme.

The launch drew tributes from leading figures including Senator John Owan Enoh, National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, who hailed the publication as a timely blueprint for reforming the nation’s sports sector.

Ikpeme, a veteran administrator, explained that the book draws on decades of experience within Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem, offering practical solutions on governance, infrastructure, funding, and athlete welfare.

‘Sports remains one of Nigeria’s greatest assets for youth empowerment, national unity and economic growth,’ he said. ‘This book is designed to encourage informed dialogue and practical action that will strengthen the sector for future generations.’

Senator Enoh, Minister of State for Investment and chairman of the occasion, described the book as ‘timely and important,’ praising Ikpeme’s intellectual discipline and commitment to sports development.

He urged policymakers to move beyond reactive interventions, stressing that sports must be treated as social infrastructure.

He also credited President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, including the restoration of the NSC, increased funding, and the approval of the Sports Infrastructure Development Bond, as evidence of progress, while calling for deeper institutional reforms.

Former Governor Imoke recalled his collaboration with Ikpeme during Cross River’s hosting of Super Eagles fixtures and Golden Eaglets training camps, which preceded Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

He commended Ikpeme for choosing a policy-focused publication over memoir writing, noting: ‘Many years from now, this book will remain a reference point, and I believe the government will continue to draw from it.’

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko described the book as ‘a brilliant work’ and highlighted reforms already underway that align with Ikpeme’s recommendations.

He cited a near-600 percent rise in sports budget allocations, removal of Treasury Single Account constraints, and the Sports Infrastructure Development Bond as key steps toward modernising facilities nationwide.

‘In the final analysis, this book is a validation of the reforms being undertaken,’ Dikko said.

The event was attended by top officials, football legends, academics, and corporate leaders.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, former Minister Solomon Dalung, and former NSC Director-General Amos Adamu were among those present.

Tributes also came from stars including Nwankwo Kanu, Asisat Oshoala, Onome Ebi, Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Taiwo Awoniyi, Anthony Ujah, and Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle.

Professor Olufemi Adegbesan of the University of Ibadan, who reviewed the book, commended its scholarly contribution, while Tunde Olusunle, a longtime friend of Ikpeme, read the citation.

The launch concluded with applause for Ikpeme’s enduring commitment to sports development and calls for administrators to document their experiences for future generations.