NSC inaugurates LOC, sets tone for Africa’s best School Championship

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Nigeria has taken a decisive step towards hosting a landmark continental event with the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the second edition of the African School Championship, Abuja 2027.

The 28-member LOC was officially unveiled by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, who charged the committee with a clear and ambitious mandate: deliver the best African Youth Games ever staged.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dikko assured the committee of the NSC’s full backing and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting a world-class event that will meet international standards and exceed expectations.

“This is a serious national assignment,” Dikko told the newly appointed members. “Your work will demand detailed planning, coordination, transparency and teamwork. I want to assure our African partners and stakeholders that Abuja 2027 will be safe, well organised and memorable for all our young athletes.”

Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, described the hosting rights as a perfect fit for the Commission’s RHINSE agenda, Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy which prioritises sports production and positions Nigeria as a major hub for international competitions.

“We are steadily returning Nigerian sports to where it belongs—on the continental and global stage,” Olopade said. “Hosting the African Youth Games will boost Nigeria’s socio-cultural and economic impact through sports and reaffirm our capacity to deliver major international events.”

Chairman of the LOC, Lekan Abari, praised the NSC leadership for what he described as the ongoing renaissance in Nigerian sports.

He assured that the committee would work with dedication, professionalism and transparency to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“We are fully aware of the responsibility before us,” Abari said. “This committee is committed to delivering a Games Africa will be proud of and one that will set a new benchmark for youth sports on the continent.”

The committee features a blend of experienced administrators and professionals, including:

• Bar Musa Amadu - Deputy Chairman

• Sagaya Abdulmumeen - Secretary

• Dr Ibrahim Abdul

• Mrs. Sabina Chikere

• Arc Adamu Tanimu

• Olubunmi Ola-Oluode, 

• Dr Lydia Gbagi

• Olufunke Florence Olu-young

• Dr Oba Funsho Usman

• Chief Victor Onogagamue

• Farouk Yarma.

• Chichi Nwoko

• Ebidowei Oweife, 

• Chief Amaka Ashiofu

• Olalekan Alabi

• Tunde Adeluola

• Jude Ayandofu

• Lanre Ogunjobi, 

• Aisha Shuaibu

• Kola Daniel

• Dr Ibrahim Gyaran, 

• Femi Ayorinde

• Dr Rabiu Mohammed

• Yusuf Adamu

• Jahnedu Ibekwelu

• Gbadebo Oyebola

• Barrister Friday Agbom.

With the LOC now in place and planning set in motion, Abuja 2027 is shaping up as a major statement of intent—one that underscores Nigeria’s determination to lead Africa in youth sports development and international event hosting.