Patrick Kelechi, Lagos
DAILY COURIER - The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has committed to collaborating with key stakeholders to rejuvenate and commercialize football in Nigeria, marking a significant step toward elevating the sport’s profile in the country.
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari, made this pledge during a meeting at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting brought together representatives from the National Sports Commission, the International Management Group (IMG), and AfroSport Network, with the delegation led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kyari highlighted the importance of football as a tool for national unity and economic growth. He assured stakeholders of NNPC’s readiness to play a pivotal role in the initiative to revive the nation’s football.
“NNPC will be a prime partner in the journey to bring back value to our football, to reshape it, re-engineer it, and bring happiness to our people,” Kyari stated.
He also emphasized the sport’s potential to drive economic benefits, not just for the country but also for NNPC as a corporate entity. Kyari expressed pride in the company’s inclusion as a critical stakeholder in this transformative effort.
Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, underscored the economic significance of football, drawing comparisons with its impact on the economies of leading football nations. He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for immediate actions to revamp Nigerian football, emphasizing its multiplier effects across industries.
“Football is fundamental to the economies of the best footballing countries in the world,” Dikko said. “The multiplier effects are enormous, with the potential to revitalize related industries across the value chain.”
To strengthen the initiative, Dikko highlighted the involvement of IMG, a global leader in sports promotion, particularly renowned for its role in managing the English Premier League.
The meeting also revisited NNPC’s historical ties to football through its former club, NNPC FC, Warri. The club once played in Division One of the Nigeria National League before being disbanded in 1989. The renewed partnership signifies a return to the company’s active participation in the nation’s sporting arena.
The collaboration between NNPC, the National Sports Commission, and international partners marks a promising era for Nigerian football. The joint effort aims to professionalize the sport, attract investments, and create opportunities across its value chain.
As discussions progress, expectations are high that this initiative will not only revive the fortunes of Nigerian football but also position it as a significant contributor to the nation’s economy.
